In China, authorities have warned people against a possible outbreak of crop and animal diseases following the retreat of flood waters from rural areas. Agriculture Minister Tang Renjian said that measures to prevent and control major disease outbreaks caused by dead animals, pests and insects should be the top priority. Several regions that were affected by the floods are still facing drinking water issues. Parts of China witnessed record rains last week leading to severe flooding and loss of 33 lives. China's Hebei province received more than a year's rainfall last week damaging autumn crops and agricultural equipment. According to reports, drinking water supply has been cut off in some areas where water pipes and wells were destroyed in the floods, affecting thousands of people. The Chinese government has pressed into service emergency response teams to restore water supply in areas of Hebei and Beijing.