Several sections of the Yangtze River in east China's Jiangxi province have reported rapidly rising water levels.

The hydrology stations at Jiujiang and Poyang Lake on Friday reported water levels of 20.10 meters and 19.48 meters, respectively. Local government departments have dispatched personnel to inspect the river bank and monitor the flood situation.

The provincial government leaders have ordered all relevant officials to take efficient measures to combat the flooding, especially at the river bank, in the principal cities and with regard to important infrastructure facilities.

The weather departments are keeping an eye on the flood situation, and people and soldiers have been mobilized to make preparations for a potentially worse crisis.

(Xinhua News Agency August 23, 2002)