Continuous rainfalls in June will alleviate lingering drought in central and south China, but will also cause flooding in some areas, the China Meteorological Administration (CMA) has warned.

CMA head Zheng Guoguang said regions along the lower and middle reaches of the Yangtze River will be "basically relieved from drought this month," as rainy season has begun.

Downpours starting from the beginning of this month have pounded the drought-plagued provinces along the river and have helped ease the drought which started in April and caused shortage of drinking water for millions of people.

"It (the drought) must be over this month, because there will be rainfalls from June 3 to 7 and from June 9 to 11. It will be significantly helpful to alleviate the current drought," Zheng was quoted as saying by the China National Radio on Monday.

However, he said local authorities should not slacken efforts against drought as rainfalls are not enough to alleviate the serious drought because water levels remain low in major lakes, rivers and reservoirs.

Zheng said the regions along the lower and middle reaches of the Yangtze River should also gear up for possible flooding as the flood season has come.

He called for local authorities in the provinces to make preparatory work against flooding while continuing efforts on drought relief.