Use of flood diversion areas effective in Hebei

Several flood detention areas in Hebei province helped divert and store 4.12 billion cubic meters of floodwater since they were put into use earlier this month, local authorities said on Friday.

The province was hit hard by flooding last week as a result of heavy downpours triggered by Typhoon Doksuri.

To effectively divert and slow the rise of rivers, Hebei employed seven flood detention areas, including Langouwa and Dongdian.

"The number of detention areas put into use is the most since 1963," Zhang Chengzhong, head of the province's flood control and drought relief headquarters, said at a news conference on Friday morning. The measure effectively reduced pressure on downstream river channels.

Flood detention areas are part of the province's flood control systems, together with reservoirs, river channels and dikes, according to Cui Zhiqing, head of the province's water resources department. He added that Hebei has 13 such areas.

Floodwaters had submerged around 1,399 square kilometers, Cui said. However, the water is receding.

People will be compensated their losses of crops, animals, forests, properties, machinery and other major assets that were ruined in the disaster, Cui added.