For the second year in a row China's annual battle with deadly flooding of the Yangtze River valley started earlier than expected. Already at least 240 people have died and 60 million others are in grave danger due to the torrential rains that have plagued the region since June 15. The flood season usually peaks in July and August, but last year the rains began in March, killing more than 4,000 people. Although catastrophes in the flood-stricken region have become a routine occurrence during the summer months, the early downpours send a chilling message that the losses of this year's floods could push the country even further back in its efforts to control the problem. And experts warn that the worst is yet to come.
Construction workers escape China's torrential rains.
As rainfall reached nearly half the yearly average in some areas, the Yangtze's second flood peak recently hit the Yichang-Jinali river section in the Hubie province, alarming residents further down river that the waters will rise again. In fact, the second peak threatens more damage than the first with water levels on all sections of the river rising higher. To make matters worse, water levels in several Yangtze tributaries have risen dangerously close to flood stage, according to authorities. The Yellow River, which already has overflowed onto the surrounding countryside as a result of erosion, poses particular concern for flood forecasters who say this year's rains have made China's second largest river a serious threat. The mounting river has put authorities on alert that it may burst its banks and put millions more lives at risk.