Vice-Premier Hui Liangyu on Monday called for efforts to ensure the safety of China's major rivers, reservoirs, big cities and major transport lines during flood seasons.

At this year's first full-member meeting of the State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters, Hui urged all localities and departments concerned to prepare to combat lingering droughts and potential heavy flooding on major rivers.

Last year, China encountered major floods and droughts, said Hui. The state faced heavy tasks of economic and social development this year, including how to improve grain production and raise farmers' income.

(Xinhua News Agency April 13, 2004)