What Urgent Actions Is China's Xi Taking After Mountain Floods?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Xi Jinping calls for urgent rescue and flood management efforts.
- 10 fatalities and 33 missing following mountain torrents in Gansu.
- Government emphasizes the need for enhanced flood control measures.
- Proactive strategies include risk assessment and early warning systems.
- Ministry of Emergency Management dispatches teams to support local efforts.
Beijing, Aug 8 (NationPress) Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for comprehensive search and rescue operations, alongside flood management and disaster relief efforts, following devastating mountain torrents that have plagued northwest China's Gansu Province since Thursday. As of 3:30 pm Friday, the catastrophe has resulted in 10 fatalities and 33 individuals reported missing.
In his capacity as General Secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Chairman of the Central Military Commission, Xi has underscored the significance of addressing the disaster caused by persistent heavy rainfall affecting regions such as Yuzhong County near the provincial capital, Lanzhou.
The immediate focus is to locate and rescue those who are unaccounted for through all available resources, ensure the relocation and safety of at-risk residents, mitigate loss of life, and restore communication and transportation systems promptly, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
Xi emphasized that due to the increasing frequency of extreme weather events, local authorities and relevant agencies must enhance risk assessment and early warning systems, rectify potential hazards, and bolster emergency response protocols. Strengthening flood management and disaster relief efforts with specific strategies is crucial to safeguard citizens during this flood season.
Premier Li Qiang, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, has also mandated immediate action to locate and rescue missing or stranded individuals while executing extensive relief operations.
Recognizing that China is in a pivotal phase of flood control, Li underscored the importance of vigilance, fulfilling responsibilities, improving monitoring and early flood warnings, and enhancing disaster prevention and response measures.
In response to directives from Xi and Li, the Ministry of Emergency Management has dispatched a specialized team to the area to aid in local search and rescue initiatives.