China has inaugurated a new flood control and drought relief headquarters for the Liaohe River basin, a strategic move to enhance water resource management in one of the country’s most vital agricultural and industrial regions.
The headquarters, established on Saturday, is tasked with guiding and coordinating efforts to mitigate flood and drought risks within the Liaohe River basin. This includes overseeing neighboring river basins situated alongside the Bohai Sea and the Yellow Sea, ensuring a comprehensive approach to water management across multiple provinces.
Minister of Water Resources Li Guoying emphasized the critical importance of the new headquarters during the inauguration ceremony. “We must prioritize the safety of lives, property, and water supply,” Li stated. He also highlighted the need to strengthen capabilities in risk warning and emergency management to prepare for extreme weather events.
Flowing through the provinces of Hebei, Inner Mongolia, Jilin, and Liaoning, the Liaohe River is one of China’s seven largest rivers. The basin is renowned not only for its rich agricultural lands but also as a powerhouse of industrial activity, contributing significantly to the nation’s economy.
The establishment of the headquarters marks a proactive step by the Chinese mainland to address the increasing challenges posed by climate change. Enhanced coordination and resource allocation are expected to bolster the region’s resilience against floods and droughts, safeguarding the livelihoods of millions of residents.
The move also aligns with broader national efforts to promote sustainable development and environmental protection. By focusing on advanced risk warning systems and emergency response mechanisms, the headquarters aims to minimize the impact of natural disasters on both rural and urban communities within the basin.
Reference(s):
China establishes flood, drought control HQ for northeastern river
cgtn.com