BEIJING, Feb. 22 (Xinhua)-- Chinese Water Resources Vice Minister E Jingping has warned local governments of the increasing possibility of natural disasters such as floods in major Chinese rivers and droughts this year.

    E, also secretary general of China's Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters, said, "Major Chinese rivers, including Yangtze and Yellow rivers, have not seen serious floods in recent years. It increases the possibility of flood disasters this year based on the law of nature.

    The warning comes at a time when drought is plaguing Chinese rivers. The middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River have been experiencing a sharp fall in the water level, affecting the water supply for both industrial and agricultural use.

    Water flow into the major rivers and lakes has dropped by 40 percent on average, with that of Poyang Lake and Dongting Lake plummeting by 60 percent and 10 percent respectively.

    He urged local authorities to ensure the safety of major rivers, cities as well as large and middle-sized reservoirs and take concrete measures to prepare for possible floods and droughts in different parts of China in 2007.

    Drinking water safety for urban and rural residents must be guaranteed, and the demand for water supply in industrial production should also be guaranteed, he said.