The death toll from torrential rains and the start of annual summer flooding in China rose to 204, with 79 others missing, state media reported Sunday, citing government figures.
"Based on the Ministry of Civil Affairs' preliminary statistics, due to flooding from 16 provinces, cities and autonomous regions, 17.06 million people were affected, 204 died and 79 are missing," the Xinhua news agency said.
The seasonal floods have also affected 1.8 million hectares (4.4 million acres) of farmland, completely destroying 614,000 hectares, it said.
Governments at all levels across the country have been ordered to mobilize manpower and resources to battle the floods, in particular to prevent major rivers and reservoirs from being breached.
Measures should be taken to reduce human casualties and property losses to a minimum, Xinhua cited Vice Premier Hui Liangyu saying during a meeting of the State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters on Saturday.
Hui, who is also chief of the headquarters, said the safety of major cities and preservation of communication lines must be ensured.
Heavy loss to lives and property occur each year during the flood season.
