"Have you got any difficulty with food?" questioned Premier Wen Jiabao.

 

"No problem. The government has sent us edible oil, meat and fresh vegetables," said Wu Fuqiu, a local villager in Longyan City, Fujian Province, in reply to the premier who visited the flood-hit city Tuesday, one day after he wrapped up a journey to Africa.

 

Since mid-May, Fujian has been devastated by typhoon- and rainstorm-caused floods, leaving at least 25 deaths and five missing and causing enormous financial losses. The premier was kept informed of the situation in the flood-hit area during his overseas trip.

 

During his visit in Longyan, Wen showed his sympathy on behalf of the CPC Central Committee and the State Council, and he encouraged local people to build new homes with the help of the government and by uniting and helping each others.

 

The premier called on the family of Wang Shuxian, a CPC member who lost his life in flood after he dragged 18 people out of floodwater alive. "I have kept Wang Shuxian's name in my mind and we all feel sorrowful about his death," said Wen, shaking hands with Wang's family members.

 

He paid special attention to the issue of epidemic prevention and urged local authorities to secure medical service and supply of clean drinking water for flood victims. He also thanked members of the Chinese People's Armed Police for their hard work in fighting floods.

 

(Xinhua News Agency June 28, 2006)