"There has been no flooding in these river basins for years. People are not very knowledgeable about flood control there, and local flood control capabilities are comparatively weak," Ye said.

The ministry will guide northern regions in rolling out precautionary measures as it continues to contribute to efforts in the south, he said.

"The current flood control situation in Yangtze and Taihu remains grim," he said.

Most of the Yangtze's middle and lower reaches have seen water swell above their warning levels. Meanwhile, the water level in Taihu Lake in the lower Yangtze area is forecast to keep rising and may exceed 4.65 meters, the maximum level that its dikes are designed to hold, Ye said.