BEIJING, July 21 (Xinhua) -- The State Council, China's Cabinet, urged local governments Wednesday to step up efforts to combat floods as the nation faces severe weather conditions in several regions.
The State Council made the appeal at its executive meeting presided over by Premier Wen Jiabao.
"The situation is grave," the State Council concluded at the meeting, noting that water levels on the Yangtze River, the nation's longest river, and on the Huaihe River and Taihu Lake are over their respective warning levels.
The arrival of the typhoon season has added to problems, according to the State Council.
Floods in China this summer have left hundreds dead and forced tens of thousands to relocate.
The State Council stressed at the meeting local governments should attach great importance to flood control and protect the public and their property.
