BEIJING -- China's Ministry of Finance Tuesday called on local authorities to increase financial support for flood control and drought relief.

The MOF said in a statement that it comes at a crucial moment for the country to fight against floods, pledging a special fund from central budgets to fight serious floods and droughts.

It also urged governments at all levels to ensure that the fund is not misappropriated.

On Sunday, the MOF allocated 120 million yuan ($19 million) to help the municipalities of Beijing and Tianjin and neighboring province of Hebei to fight floods.

Rainstorms since the weekend have ravaged many parts of China, including the capital city where the heaviest rain in 60 years caused 37 deaths.

Torrential rain has swept through 17 provincial areas since July 20, leaving 95 dead and another 45 missing, the Ministry of Civil Affairs said on Monday.