Chinese Vice-Premier Hui Liangyu has urged local authorities along the Yellow River, one of China's major rivers, to make unremitting efforts in flood control and also make a good use of the river's water resources.

"The flood season of the Yellow River is not over yet, and new major flooding is still likely to occur," said Hui, who also heads the State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters, during a two-day inspection tour in east China's Shandong Province Friday and Saturday.

Hui said that this year some regions along the upper and lower reaches of the Yellow River had already been hit by major floods, but the local governments and people had fought a brave battle against the floods and achieved initial success.

"However, we must remain highly vigilant and show no letup or relaxation," he said, adding that a responsibility system should be established in flood prevention and control.

He also urged local officials to show great concern for the people affected by the floods and guarantee their safety, health and living necessities.

During his tour, the vice-premier examined the Yellow River embankments and heard a report from the Yellow River Conservancy Committee, which oversees all water conservancy and flood control affairs along the river.

He also supervised a water diversion program to transfer part of the Yellow River water to Tianjin, a major industrial city close to Beijing which has long suffered from a serious water shortage.

(Xinhua News Agency September 14, 2003)