Authority: Prepare for spring floods

South China could experience large-scale spring flooding next year as a result of a strong El Nino, according to the country's flood-control authority.

The State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters said in a statement on Tuesday that parts of China south of the Yangtze River could receive more precipitation than normal next spring, resulting in floods.

"A preliminary analysis shows that the flood and drought situation will be more severe than this year. ... There could be significant flooding in some rivers and severe floods in some regions," the authority said.