Chinese Vice Premier Hui Liangyu Friday urged local governments to enhance weather monitoring and step up efforts to fight floods as heavy rains may continue to pound southern China.

Hui, also Director of the State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters, made the remarks during a three-day visit to Hunan and Jiangxi provinces from June 9 to 11.

"Local authorities must step up relief efforts to provide shelter, clothing and food for flood victims. They must also help flood victims rebuild their hometowns," Hui said.

He said local governments must quickly evacuate residents in low-lying areas, ramp up flood prevention measures, and ensure the safety of dams and hydropower plants.

As of June 8, floods and landslides triggered by torrential rains had killed 147 people and left 25 missing and direct economic losses had amounted to 22.3 billion yuan (3.26 billion U.S. dollars).