Floods are still wreaking havoc in northeastern and southeastern areas, claiming lives and causing huge losses.

But some local governments rely on antiquated warning systems. Why not use modern telecommunications? This question was asked in a column in Beijing News (excerpts below).

The local governments of Guangdong and Heilongjiang provinces have tried to assist people and prevent loss but the death toll shows that their efforts must be improved.

In some counties hit by flood waters, warnings were issued over loudspeakers.

According to the People's Daily, when staff members tried to use telecommunications to send flood-warning text messages, the local State-owned telecommunication agency refused to cooperate.

This is absurd. The purpose of technology is to serve the people; saving lives is more important than saving money for State-owned enterprises.

The government should employ all resources possible to save people from natural disasters.

We live in the Information Age, and we have the technology necessary to save people's lives; it must be used and the money is not a factor.