Local governments in Northwest China's Shaanxi Province are striving to provide better living conditions for flood-stricken residents to pass the coming winter.

"At present, some 430,000 flood-stricken people are staying in thin tents with no heating facilities to resist the cold weather. As well, 144,000 temporary houses are needed, which are expected to be provided by November 15," said a statement from Shaanxi Flood Prevention Headquarters.

In the province's Weinan Prefecture, which was devastated by a flood in late August, more than 50 billion cubic metres of water have been drawn from the affected area, but there are still some 22 million cubic metres of water remaining.

Shaanxi was hit by heavy rain throughout August and September, causing floods in most areas of its 109 cities, counties and districts.

The flooding left 117 people dead and caused direct economic loss valued at 9.7 billion yuan (US$1.17 billion).

The statistics also indicate 10.4 million people - one third of the province's total population - were affected by the disaster, with 6.85 million severely impacted.

"The flood made 600,000 local residents homeless and prevented 100,000 students from attending their classes," the headquarters said.

"The weather is getting colder and colder and we must provide the flood-stricken people with warmer houses to pass the coming winter. Now the construction of temporary houses is in full swing."

At present, 260 million yuan (US$31.3 million) in relief funding has been provided by the provincial government, as well as large amounts of relief materials.

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