Chinese Premier Li Keqiang (C) inspects the progress made to repair a dyke breach on the Wei River Weihui City of Xinxiang, Henan Province, central China, August 18, 2021. Photo: Gov.cn

 

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang once again calls for accountability over any dereliction of duty and misconduct and a transparent investigation of Zhengzhou Line 5 subway accident, which killed 14 people during the torrential rains in Central China's Henan Province as he visited site on Wednesday. 

We "must seek truths from facts" and "hold accountability for any dereliction of duty and misconduct." It is a warning for later generations and gives an answer to the society, Li told local officials. 

Lessons from disasters should be learnt and efforts should be made to strengthen the security of constructions and improve the early warning and response system, the Premier said. "Life is of paramount importance." 

On July 26, Li presided over a video conference at the State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters, during which he stressed to hold those who failed at their duty accountable.

The torrential rains in Henan caused a total of 302 deaths with 50 missing, of which 292 deaths and 47 missing people were in Zhengzhou, the capital city. 

The subway operation company of Zhengzhou is facing controversy for what some say was a slow response and "delayed" statement on the subway flooding which had left 500 passengers trapped. Many questioned why the subway had not immediately suspended operations after learning of an imminent rainstorm. 

The State Council, China's cabinet, has set up an investigation team to assess the responses to the devastating flood in Zhengzhou. The investigation team aims to summarize the experience and lessons drawn from the accident that can be taken to improve disaster prevention and relief in the future.

Those who will be found to have breached their duties in the flood response will be held responsible according to the law and regulations, the State Council said. 

The investigation team is to submit an investigation report 60 days after the accident, a Xinhua News Agency reports citing regulations. 

Henan is expected to come across new tests as flood control and drought relief department in the province issued an alert on Wednesday for upcoming rounds of rainfalls, stressing to take measures to prevent possible floods. 

After receiving the alert on Wednesday, the Party chief of Zhengzhou Xu Liyi immediately held a conference over the new wave of rainfalls. 

Xu stressed that the heavy rainfalls on July 20 should serve as a lesson, vowing that security of the city should be a top priority.

Rainfalls are likely to hit the province from Thursday afternoon with the amount of precipitation reaching 100 millimeters in some areas. Later from Sunday, most regions in Henan will have rains with precipitation reaching 180 millimeters at the most and maximum rainfall intensity of 70-90 millimeters per hour. The rain will continue to next Tuesday till Thursday, according to meteorological department of the province.


Global Times