What’s new: The State Council, China’s cabinet, has vowed to investigate and punish any misconduct in the official response to the devastating flooding in the central city of Zhengzhou that has killed nearly 300 people.
The State Council said Monday it will set up an investigation team led by the Ministry of Emergency Management, according to a statement (link in Chinese). The team includes officials from relevant departments and experts who are capable of providing technical support.
The team will evaluate the responses to torrential rains and flooding that took place on July 20 in Zhengzhou, summarize lessons and experiences from the flood responses, and suggest improved measures for future flood prevention and relief, the statement said.
It will also hold officials accountable in accordance with the law and regulations in case of any dereliction of duty, the statement added.
What’s more: The death toll from torrential rains and flooding in Central China’s Henan province, where Zhengzhou is located, has risen to 302, with 50 people still missing, local authorities said at a press conference Monday. Zhengzhou accounts for 292 of those deaths.
Since July 16, heavy rain and flooding have affected more than 14 million residents living in the province, damaged over 1 million hectares (2.47 million acres) of crops, and wrecked tens of thousands of houses, authorities said. The direct economic losses exceed 114 billion yuan ($17.6 billion).
Contact reporter Wang Xintong (xintongwang@caixin.com) and editor Lu Zhenhua (zhenhualu@caixin.com)
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