Top official in charge of flood control and drought relief E Jingping says the likelihood of flooding along China's major rivers is likely to increase this year.

E Jingping recently stressed the need for various regions to be on guard against possible disastrous floods, hillside torrents and typhoons.

He said, as major rivers like the Yangtze, Yellow, and Haihe rivers have not flooded in recent years, the possibility of them doing so this year may be greater.

The official also warned of possible droughts. Since August last year, the Yangtze River has seen a decline in its water flow. And most regions in the north have seen less rainfall and high temperatures, bringing about a lack of drinking water.

(CRIENGLISH.com Frebruary 23, 2007)