Chinese Vice Premier Hui Liangyu called on local authorities to keep close watch over the approaching typhoon Chanchu, saying that the protection of life and property must be given top priority in disaster relief.

"People in disaster-hit areas must be guaranteed food, clean drinking water, clothes, accommodation and medical services," said Hui, who is also director of the State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters, at a meeting here Tuesday afternoon.

He demanded that local governments give financial and material support to typhoon-hit areas and mobilize all available resources to ensure basic necessities of life for people stricken by the disaster.

Source: Xinhua