Worst flooding in decades gets worse

One of the worst deluges in decades may get worse if forecasts for more rain are accurate. Flooding on the Huai River has affected millions of people in central and eastern provinces, the South China Morning Post reported, causing heavy death tolls and economic losses. The Huai River has already surpassed warning levels by 3.49 meters. The flood control situation "remains very severe," said Cheng Dianlong, deputy director of the State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters. Cheng said flood control measures may be strained even further with more rain expected Friday and Saturday. The riverbanks of the Huai are hit by major flooding about once a decade. Some 17.5 million people have been affected by the latest flooding, with more than 30,000 homes and 528,000 hectares of farmland destroyed. Losses to date have reached about US$1 billion.