国内英语新闻:Vice premier urges more flood control efforts

BEIJING, July 25 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice Premier Wang Yang called for strengthened flood control measures as the country has entered the rainy season.

With coming rainfall and typhoons, China is facing a "grim situation" and local governments should spare no efforts in fighting flood risks and ensuring people's safety, Wang said Tuesday while commanding disaster relief work.

Local authorities must enhance forecasting of rain and flooding, and publish early warnings, as well as improving evacuation plans, Wang said.

More should be done to monitor rivers and mountainous areas and mitigate flooding in cities, Wang said, adding that local governments should also be prepared for landslides and debris caused by typhoons.

The national weather observatory continued its blue alert on Tuesday as rainstorms are expected to hit parts of north China and some areas in the south. Precipitation will reach up to 150 millimeters in some regions.

Wang also stressed the importance of drought relief measures as a heat wave is sweeping across many parts of the country.

China has a four-tier color-coded weather warning system, with red the most severe, followed by orange, yellow and blue.