Floods expected in upper, middle reaches of Yangtze

BEIJING -- Severe floods are forecast along the upper and middle reaches of the Yangtze River in this summer, as well as some nearby rivers and lakes.

Major rivers have seen more water inflows than average this year, Zhang Jiatuan, a spokesperson for the Office of State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters, said Thursday at a press conference.

Among them, the Huai River saw the largest increase of around 80 percent, and the Yangtze River as much as 40 percent. Water levels are higher than usual.

The main rainbelt will likely cover those areas during the period, adding to risks of floods.

"The situation is grim," Zhang said, urging local governments to closely track weather conditions and improve flood control measures.

Zhang also warned of droughts in northwestern, northeastern, and some southern regions in the coming months.