Black stork chicks take first flight in northwest China

Ten baby black storks were spotted taking first flight after dropping from cliffside nests in northwest China's Shaanxi Province.

The developmental milestone marks the beginning of independent life in the wild for these striking wading birds. It also serves as a promising sign that the local ecosystem is thriving, thanks to decades of dedicated restoration.

In China, black storks are listed under first-class state protection.

Chinese Vice Premier Liu Guozhong on Sunday stressed fully implementing flood response measures, and making all-out efforts to ensure the safe operation of reservoirs during the flood season to safeguard people's lives and property.

Liu, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks during an inspection tour in Beijing.

He inspected two reservoirs in Beijing's Pinggu District and examined their facilities. Noting that China has a large number of widely distributed reservoirs, he underlined the arduous task of flood control in the main flood season.

The official urged efforts to improve the monitoring and forecasting system for rainfall and water conditions, execute reservoir operation management regulations and emergency plans, and fully implement the responsibility system for reservoir dam safety.

Liu asked reservoirs in rainstorm-affected areas to conduct preemptive releases to increase storage capacity, and prohibited them from operating above flood control water levels.

It is imperative to enhance patrols of key sections such as reservoir dams and high-risk areas, deploy sufficient emergency rescue supplies and personnel, and carry out prompt evacuation if needed, according to him.

Liu stressed the need to improve short-term forecasting and warning capabilities, and ensure that early warning information reaches the grassroots level without delay.