BEIJING, June 20 (Xinhua) -- China's meteorological authority Tuesday warned of heavy rain across the country, calling for heightened emergency measures to ensure safety as flood season approaches.
From June 20-24, heavy rain is expected in northern China, parts of the northeast and most of southern China. Regular precipitation is estimated to hit between 20 and 60 millimeters each day, with torrential rain likely to hit many areas on June 22.
As a result, water levels in major rivers in China will rise, with rivers in southern China likely to exceed warning levels.
Chen Lei, water resources minister, urged local authorities to take preventive measures against potential storms.
"Additional work must be done to ensure people's safety in remote rural areas, rural-urban fringe zones and tourist attractions," he said.
As northern China braces for its heaviest rain this year, Chen urged authorities to prepare for the worst.
"Local authorities should take emergency measures to guard against potential disasters, including mountain floods and landslides, relocate people from dangerous areas and ensure safety of reservoirs," he said.
