76 killed in S. China rainstorms, relief stressed

Source: CCTV.com | 06-13-2007 13:13

Torrential rains have killed 76 people and left 13 missing in Southern China. But the country's flood control office said that by Tuesday morning, water levels of some main rivers in the area had dropped. Meanwhile, disaster relief work is accelerating.

Chinese Vice Premier Hui Liangyu has called for a concerted effort to provide relief to those affected by last week's torrential rains in Southern China. He urged local authorities to help farmers resume production and provide adequate food, clothes, safe drinking water and timely medical treatment to disaster victims.

The level of the Hanjiang River had been on the rise since heavy rainstorms hit Guangdong province last Friday. By Monday morning, its water level had reached over 26 meters, the highest in 50 years, threatening at least 2.5 million people along the middle and lower reaches.

Thanks to rescuers' efforts in channeling the floods, residents have been evacuated safely.

Li Zhongliang, party chief CPC Shunfen County Committee, said, "Now the flood peak is over and the Hanjiang river water level is dropping. The current situation could ease the burden on dams in our county."

Neighboring Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region has related problems. Cracks have appeared on over 70 percent of local dams, including this concrete one in Quanzhou County.

Tang Xinyu, Quanzhou Hydrological Bureau, said, "The weakest point in the dam is its right shoulder -- its base is gone. If the dam collapses, the floods would submerge downstream roads and railways. The safety of more than 30-thousand people would be threatened."

Hydrological experts have gathered to discuss ways to reinforce the dams.

In Hunan province, Yongzhoudao County has been the worst-hit place. The local government has resettled residents in tents, and provided quilts and food. Medical stations have been set up to provide service for the locals.

Medical staff, said, "Until now, most of the patients here have suffered from itching, coughing or colds from exposure to the water. Some have been scratched by stones."

Floods in several other provinces have been brought under control. Meteorologists predict the heavy rains could end on Thursday and that most of Southern China could enjoy sunshine once again.

Editor:Du Xiaodan