City governments across China are hastily ordering checks on drainage systems, and several have unveiled plans for extensive upgrades, following the fatal floods in Beijing.

Shanghai, Wuhan and Guangzhou have announced multibillion-yuan projects, as officials look to allay residents' worries about cities' ability to handle heavy downpours.

Ma Yuandong, an official at Shanghai Drainage Administration, said the metropolis will invest 10.4 billion yuan ($1.63 billion) to improve 28 drainage systems before 2015.