国内英语新闻:Premier Wen reassures flood-affected public, orders more responsive efforts

NANNING, June 20 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao has urged that more efforts be implemented to fight floods, while reassuring those residents living in areas ravaged by flooding and inspecting flood damage, during his visit to Wuzhou city of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, which has been plagued by torrential rains.

During the two-day visit ending Sunday, Wen checked on water levels and river banks in Wuzhou, and visited households in mountainous areas, urban downtowns and rural areas, pledging the government would use all means to prevent and fight flooding.

Further, Wen called on local authorities to closely monitor weather changes and strengthen forecasting and warning systems to ensure an advanced emergency response.

Further, more efforts were demanded to prevent damages from floods and landslides, Wen said. He highlighted the importance of relief work in schools, mines, railways and roads, as well as tourism sites.

Wen required immediate reports and instant responses on risks of dam and reservoir breaks from local officials. More efforts should be taken to safeguard public safety, he added.

Also, more relief funds and materials were needed to ensure food, clothing, accommodations, drinking water and health care are delivered to flood victims, Wen said.

As of Sunday morning, mud flows and floods triggered by the intense rainstorms that began in mid-June had left 132 people dead and 86 missing in south China's nine provinces and regions, including Guangxi, Fujian, and Jiangxi, according to the Office of State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters.

More than 10 million people have been affected by severe floods, which has accounted for economic losses of 14.5 billion yuan (2.1 billion U.S. dollars), officials noted.