Chinese Vice Premier Hui Liangyu on Sunday urged local governments to manage the flood situation in the Huaihe River.

The river cuts across China between the Yellow River and the Yangtze, running through Henan, Anhui and Jiangsu provinces. The areas along the river are prone to both floods and droughts.

Rainstorms have been beating down on the areas around the river since July 5, triggering floods along its mainstream and its tributaries, including Hongru, Shaying and Wohe rivers.

The situation is critical, according to the State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters (HQ).

Hui said that the relevant departments should ensure that all anti-flood procedures are in place.

HQ has sent special teams to affected areas to manage the situation.

(Xinhua News Agency July 11, 2005)