Vice-Premier Wang Yang said the meteorological outlook did not give grounds for optimism and it is vital to strengthen flood controls and drought relief measures.

He made the comments at the first plenary meeting for 2015 at the State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters in Beijing on April 7.

All government bodies and departments should prioritize the protection of life and tackle any shortcomings to ensure effective and concrete measures to address the potential risk of flood and drought, Wang said.

Ordering local government chief executives to take responsibility for flood control and drought relief work, Wang emphasized the importance of being fully prepared for any likelihood.

Projects, personnel, plans and materials should be ready, forecasts and disaster alerts and monitoring should be strengthened, the vice-premier said.