BEIJING -- China's Ministry of Water Resources on Friday lowered the emergency response for flood control from Level III to Level IV as the flood situation eases across the country.

Despite the lowered emergency response, the ministry said the water level of major branches of the Songhua River is still relatively high while the rainfall in the country's southern areas is expected to persist over the next few days.

It urged local authorities to continue monitoring and forecasting rainfall and patrolling levees to ensure safety.

China has a four-tier flood control emergency response system, with Level I being the most severe.