Chinese premier urges efforts to fight floods

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang (R) presides over a video conference on anti-flood mission in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 20, 2013. (Xinhua/Ma Zhancheng)

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on Tuesday demanded persistent efforts to save victims from the worst floods in decades in northeast China.

Vigilance is needed to combat floods, as the situation remains tense, Li told a video conference on the anti-flood mission, telling local authorities not to slacken in efforts to save victims.

Local governments should provide adequate food, water and tents to needy people, he said.

By 4 p.m. Monday, 85 people were confirmed dead and 105 were missing in northeast China's floods. Some 3.74 million people have been affected.