China launches emergency response for flood relief

China's disaster relief authorities launched a level III emergency response plan Saturday to help flood victims.

People stand on the flooded bank at Changsha, capital of central China's Hunan Province, July 1, 2017. At 11 a.m. Saturday, the water level of Xiangjiang River, a major river in the province, rose up to 38.37 meters at Changsha hydrological station, 2.37 meters above the alarm level. [Photo: Xinhua]

The Office of State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters has dispatched eight work teams to south China's flood stricken areas to guide relief work, the office said in a statement.

Severe floods hit the upper and middle reaches of the Yangtze River in recent days, as well as some nearby rivers and lakes.

Photo taken on July 1, 2017 shows the flooded area in Changsha, capital of central China's Hunan Province. At 11 a.m. Saturday, the water level of Xiangjiang River, a major river in the province, rose up to 38.37 meters at Changsha hydrological station, 2.37 meters above the alarm level. [Photo: Xinhua]

More than 260,000 people have been displaced after heavy rain in central China's Hunan Province since June 22, said the provincial flood control office late Friday.

Under a level III emergency response plan, the office must report to the State Council within two hours and dispatch a work team to the disaster zone within 24 hours.