The water level in Huaihe mainstream in Anhui Province is subsiding as effective flood-control measures have been taken and no heavy rains fell in the last few days, according to local officials.

At 6:00 a.m. Monday, water levels in the hydrological stations of Wangjiaba, Zhengyangguan and Wujiadu in Bengbu City were 28.10 meters, 26.55 meters and 21.85 meters, which were 0.44 meters, 0.21 meters and 0.14 meters down from the previous day respectively,said officials with the provincial flood control and drought relief headquarters.

Since July 11, Anhui has taken a series of measures to reduce the high water level in the mainstream of the Huaihe River caused by this year's second flood crest, including opening the sluice gates at Wangjiaba section and launching several flood diversion areas.

The flood crest arrived at Bengbu City downstream Monday afternoon, where flood-control preparations have been made.

(Xinhua News Agency July 14, 2003)