China steps up flood prevention efforts in northwestern regions

BEIJING -- China's Ministry of Water Resources on Tuesday made targeted arrangements for flood prevention in the country's northwestern regions amid a new round of heavy rainfall.

From Tuesday to Friday, moderate to heavy rain is forecast in eastern parts of northwest China, with rainstorms or heavy downpours expected in parts of central Shaanxi province and central and southern Shanxi province.

Water levels are expected to rise in parts of the middle reaches of the Yellow River and several of its tributaries, including the Weihe, Fenhe and Qinhe rivers, while some small and medium-sized rivers in rain-hit areas may see floods exceeding warning levels.

The ministry has urged water resources authorities in Shanxi and Shaanxi, and relevant river basin management agencies, to strengthen monitoring, forecasting and early warnings, ensure the safety of reservoirs and silt dams, and intensify prevention endeavors against floods in small and medium-sized rivers and mountain torrents.