Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks in an important instruction after continuous heavy rainfall hit regions including southwest China’s Chongqing Municipality, causing heavy casualties and property losses.

He required the State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters and the ministries of emergency management and water resources to enhance coordination, strengthen consultation and research, and improve early warnings and forecasts.

Xi underlined that leading officials at all levels must take the lead in fighting the floods, put the people’s safety and property first, and strive to minimize all kinds of losses.