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China

Floods claim 1,024 lives across China this year

BEIJING, Aug 30, 2005 (Xinhua via COMTEX) -- At least 1,024 people have been killed and 293 are still missing in the floods that have inundated many regions across China this year, according to statistics jointly released by the State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters and the Ministry of Civil Affairs on Tuesday.

The widespread floods have affected the lives of 150.78 million people, destroyed over 10 million hectares of farmland and about 900,000 houses in 30 provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities across the country, incurring 102.8 billion yuan (some 12.6 billion US dollars) in direct losses, the statistics show.

The floods heavily slammed areas in the Pearl River Delta, Minjiang River, Liaohe River and the upper reaches of the Huaihe River, and typhoon Haitang and Matsa had strong impacts, including torrential mountain floods and landslides, on many inland regions after landing at some southeastern coastal provinces.

Zhang Zhitong, a senior official with the headquarters, said the flooding had almost come to an end but natural disasters may still arise in different parts of China.

He stressed that China should fully prepare for typhoon Talim and tropical storm Katrina, which are moving toward its southeastern coastal regions, bringing potential downpours and landslides.

The headquarters has urged departments at all levels to sustain their efforts in flood control and the protection of local residents in a bid to minimize casualties and losses.