China's Xi demands officials step up flood prevention measures during rain deluge
China's President Xi Jinping demanded government authorities at all levels give top priority to ensuring people's safety and property as torrential rains cause devastating floods, deadly mudslides and geological disasters in the country. Over the past few weeks, heavy downpours in southern, central and northern provinces and regions have displaced thousands, destroyed bridges and washed away cars and homes. Xi's comments, reported by state media on Wednesday, came after heavy rainfall hit several areas including southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, causing casualties a...