International: Chinese President Xi Jinping chaired a high-level meeting in Beijing on Tuesday on flood control and drought relief, calling for stronger preparedness and coordinated action as China braces for more frequent extreme weather events during this year`s main flood season.

The meeting, held under the framework of the Communist Party of China (CPC), was told that China is expected to experience more severe weather and climate-related events in the coming months, with both flooding and drought posing significant challenges in different parts of the country.

Participants stressed that local governments and relevant authorities must adopt effective measures to strengthen flood prevention, drought relief and disaster response efforts.

The meeting emphasized that protecting people`s lives must remain the top priority. Authorities were instructed to improve weather monitoring and forecasting capabilities, strengthen early-warning systems, and ensure the timely and decisive evacuation of residents from high-risk areas to prevent large-scale casualties.

Officials also called for enhanced management and allocation of water resources, alongside stronger protection of agricultural infrastructure to mitigate the impact of extreme weather on farming and rural communities.

The meeting urged all relevant departments to carry out disaster relief and humanitarian assistance with dedication and efficiency, ensuring that the basic living needs of affected residents are fully met.

It was further stressed that the flood control and drought relief responsibility system must be implemented rigorously. The State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters was instructed to strengthen overall coordination and command, while government agencies at all levels were urged to fulfil their respective responsibilities.

The meeting also called on grassroots Party organizations, CPC members and local officials to work together to safeguard people`s lives and property and help maintain social stability during the flood season.

Source: Cai, Alim and Wang Haiman, China Media Group (CMG).