S. China strengthens floods prevention work

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Source: CCTV.com | 06-17-2008 13:31

12 provinces and regions in south China have been drenched by a new round of rain storms since Sunday. Continuous strong downpours over the past 20 days have worsened the threat of flooding and brought prevention work to a critical point.

Two citizens cross over the inundated Xihuan Road, in an emergent displacement move, at Liuzhou City, southwest China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, June 12, 2008. Local weather department issued red pre-alert signal for rainstorm on June 12th and 13th. Two days' heavy precipitations that hit Liuzhou has caused severe inundation, particularly acute in lower parts of the city proper, that left pedestrians and vehicles stranded.(Xinhua Photo)

At least 200 people have died or are missing and 38 million people have been affected by the storms. Over 120,000 houses have collapsed. Direct economic loss is put at 26 billion yuan. Heavy rains have swelled many rivers above danger levels, including the Yangtze, Zhujiang, Xijiang and Minjiang.

Meteorologists say southern China will experience at least two major rainstorms in the next five days. The region is on alert for landslides and mud flows in mountain areas. Cities are preparing for possible floods and reservoirs are being monitored.