Vice-Premier Warns of Drought and Floods

Chinese Vice-Premier Wen Jiabao warned in Tianjin Sunday that drought and floods might hit China at the same time, as the weather in the near future is unpredictable.

Visiting some key reservoirs in this north China port city, Wen said that the country is experiencing serious droughts, which are getting worse in some northern provinces.

At the meantime, he said, the flood season has arrived, and flood prevention work should be intensified.

Previous reports said that rainstorms have killed dozens of people in the southwest part of the country. Some one million people have been mobilized along the Yellow River to prepare against possible floods.

Wen also said that the shortage of water will be a long-term factor hindering the country's economic development. To solve the problem, people should have a better awareness of the importance of saving water.

He added that water should be saved not only in the countryside, but also in the cities.





People's Daily Online --- http://www.peopledaily.com.cn/english/