国内英语新闻:State councilor stresses flood control efforts in Yangtze River basin

BEIJING, June 23 (Xinhua) -- State Councilor Wang Yong on Tuesday called for solid flood control and emergency rescue efforts in the Yangtze River basin to ensure the safety of people's lives and property.

With the arrival of the main flood season in the river basin, the work of flood control, emergency rescue and disaster relief is at a crucial stage, said Wang, who is also head of the State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters, at a video conference.

Wang called on relevant government departments to fully implement their responsibilities, step up coordination efforts and work together to respond to disasters.

Authorities should strengthen monitoring, early warning and risk assessment, while making scientific use of flood control projects, Wang said.