BEIJING, Aug. 2 (UPI) -- Flood authorities in China heaved a cautious sigh of relief Monday as water levels on the country's major rivers dropped below flood stage.
The government-run Xinhua news agency quoted a situation report issued by State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters saying the lack of heavy rainfall Aug. 1-2 allowed a tributary on the upper reaches of the Yangtze River, the Mabian River, to recede below flood level -- the last river to do so.
Flood control headquarters anticipates more rain in the Yellow and Huai river basins between now and the end of the major rainy season, usually mid-August. Authorities have warned departments to stay alert to potential flood situations to minimize the effect.
Xinhua said the government has not yet compiled complete data on the human and financial losses incurred during the 2004 flood season.
