国内英语新闻:Vice premier sets priorities for fighting floods

BEIJING, July 21 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice Premier Wang Yang on Monday told local authorities to make people's safety a top priority when fighting floods and draughts.

Wang, who is also the general director of the State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters, said at a meeting that efforts must be made in flood control and drought relief as China enters its peak season for such natural disasters.

Noting insufficient flood control facilities in some places and weak links in emergency response, Wang said authorities should guarantee that disaster control and relief measures are implemented, as well as strengthen forecasts and early warning.

Regarding losses caused by super typhoon Rammasun, Wang said the central government will earmark funds for rescue and relief.

Rammasun, the strongest typhoon in decades, has brought gales, downpours and floods to a number of southern provinces since Friday, affecting more than 8 million people and causing 33 deaths as of Monday evening.