China warns of major floods, mudslides are on the way
Pastor Dale Morgan
*China warns of major floods, mudslides are on the way*
17 Jun 2007 03:50:09 GMT
Source: Reuters
BEIJING, June 17 (Reuters) - China's weather forecasters warned on
Sunday against floods and landslides in the nation's west as summer
rains continue to menace lives and property.
In past weeks, heavy rains and floods have lashed the nation's densely
populated south and east. The China Meteorological Administration has
now shifted concern to the less developed west, where heavy downpours
are predicted.
The rains could relieve drought in the often parched northwest, the
Administration said on its Web site (www.nmc.gov.cn).
"But as the ecological system of the west is quite weak, the relevant
authorities must strengthen flood response work," it said. "The rains
may create localised flooding, mountain and mudslides."
Up to Friday, floods this year have killed 128 Chinese citizens with
another 24 missing, the national flood and drought authority said,
according to the Xinhua news agency.
Direct economic losses have reached 8.92 billion yuan ($1.17 billion)
from destroyed houses, lost crops and other damage. The Ministry of
Civil Affairs has allocated 100 million yuan to help victims of the wild
weather, Xinhua also said.
Other parts of the country are suffering drought and scorching
temperatures. Chinese scientists have warned global warming is likely to
intensify extreme weather in coming decades.