Chinese Vice Premier Zeng Peiyan called on local authorities to go all out to prevent geological disasters ahead of the rainy season.

At least 67 people have been killed and 12 remain missing in almost 300 geological disasters in China so far this year, according to official statistics.

Local governments should work to improve monitoring and warning systems and take timely action to prevent disasters from occurring, the vice premier said.

The Ministry of Land and Resources has ordered local governments to send specialists to check places that are prone to geological disasters.

According to official forecasts, China's southern and coastal areas could be harder hit by geological disasters this year compared to previous years.

The Ministry also ordered local officials to prepare emergency rescue plans for potential geological disasters in order to cut the loss of lives and property.

(Xinhua News Agency May 22, 2007)