More floods are likely to occur in China next month, the beginning of the country's major flood season, as more rain is predicted for many regions.
A senior flood-control official said that floods are particularly likely to occur in the area between the Huaihe and Yangtze rivers, in line with meteorologists' predictions earlier this year for heavy rain in the region.
Flooding has battered 19 provinces and autonomous regions in China this year, claiming at least 530 lives and causing heavy losses.
Flood-related damage over the past two weeks was mainly caused by heavy rains, swollen rivers, landslides and mudflows.
The China Red Cross Society appealed to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies Friday for aid for the flood-stricken areas in the country.
The China Charity Federation and the China Poverty-Relief Foundation also appealed for donations and relief materials, such as tents and instant foods.
(China Daily June 22, 2002)