China's Office of State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters (SFDH) urged local governments to strengthen flood control at a meeting on Thursday.

Water resources authorities should double check the preparation work for the incoming flood season, strengthen monitoring systems and ensure the safety of major rivers and large- and medium-sized reservoirs, it said.

It also asked relevant authorities in quake zones to pay special attention to flood control and protect earthquake victims from fresh dangers.

Flood control precautions and safe water supplies in cities holding competitions for the 2008 Olympic Games in August should be ensured. It added that drought prevention work should also be listed on the agenda.

The SFDH initiated a level-three emergency response to the torrential rains that hit China over the past week causing 57 deaths.

(Xinhua News Agency May 30, 2008)