Lives Swept Away as Neglect Mars Flood Control

(Beijing) – Reckless urbanization coupled with half-hearted efforts to protect communities from rain-swollen rivers and lakes may have contributed to China's worst flooding in 18 years.

Weeks of torrential rain triggered flooding along lakes and rivers including the Yangtze River in six provinces, displacing about 1.3 million people and killing at least 161 with 61 missing as of July 10, according to the Ministry of Civil Affairs.