BEIJING, April 1 (Xinhua) -- Chinese cities have been urged to step up the construction of drains to avoid waterlogging during the flood season.

Local authorities should work to eliminate hidden troubles and take emergency measures to avoid casualties and heavy property losses caused by rainstorms, a central government notice said.

Before the end of 2014, cities should finish compiling their construction plan. They should upgrade existing drainage pipeline networks within five years and build better ones in ten years, the notice said.

The notice requires authorities to increase investment, improve law-making and establish contingency mechanisms. It also demands that the waterlogging prevention work should be included in the evaluation system of government performance.