China readies for flood season

China will make all-out efforts and be fully prepared for possible serious floods during this year's flood season, an official from the Ministry of Water Resources said at a press conference held by China's State Council Information Office (SCIO) on Thursday.

According to Ye Jianchun, vice minister of water resources, China has entered the flood season, and water has exceeded the alarm level at 148 rivers. He said that Xijiang River and Beijiang River in the Pearl River Basin both saw the first flood this year.

To better leverage the role of hydraulic engineering in easing the flood pressure, the Ministry of Finance has arranged a total of 490 million yuan (US$69.3 million) to support local governments to restore the water projects and facilities for flood control that were damaged by flood last year. Ye said that a total of 99,600 facilities had been repaired, including almost all the facilities in Hubei province.

Speaking of China's virus-stricken Hubei province now facing additional challenges in flood control, Ye said that the ministry will work with local authorities to step up flood supervision and strengthen checks of flood-prevention projects.