Chinese Premier Li Qiang has stressed the importance of remaining alert to risks, strengthening preparedness and working unswervingly on flood control, disaster relief and rescue work to ensure the safety of people's lives and property, as well as overall social stability.

Li, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made these remarks while inspecting flood-prevention and control work in the city of Jiujiang, Jiangxi Province, from Monday to Tuesday.

During his visit to a hydrologic station at the confluence of the Yangtze River and Poyang Lake, Li highlighted the important role of forecasting and early warning in disaster prevention, urging efforts to strengthen interdepartmental joint consultations and improve the accuracy of forecasts. 

Li was also briefed on the work of reinforcing the Yangtze River levee and checked the storage of flood-control materials. When communicating with local emergency response staff, he emphasized the need to enhance the inspection and protection of embankments during harsh weather conditions and to stockpile adequate materials.

At a geological disaster site in Bailu Town, in the city of Lushan, Li urged prioritizing disaster prevention during periods when landslides and debris flows occur frequently, and promptly evacuating residents in areas prone to disasters once dangers are detected.

Li also presided over a meeting on flood control in the town of Bailu. Noting the frequent occurrence of extreme weather conditions this year, Li called for efforts to strictly prevent secondary disasters caused by heavy rainfall, investigate weak links in urban flood-control and drainage systems, and strengthen flood prevention on farmland.

He also urged giving full play to the role of water-conservancy projects in flood-control work, preparing adequate precautionary measures for extreme situations, and carrying out rescue work immediately in the event of disasters.