Editorials

Human hand

(China Daily)
Updated: 2010-06-30 07:53

As floods damage dykes, sweeping towns and villages in its path, there is increasing suspicion that human factors are also to blame for the ostensible natural phenomenon.

Some have pointed to a dam breach in Jiangxi province, blaming it on inadequate maintenance of aging facilities. Others say property development on a crucial waterway may have caused the inundation of homes in Malong, Yunnan province.

Related readings:  Flood control  Finally, flood waters begin to recede  More rain expected for flood-hit areas in China

The tides may ebb after the rain clouds disperse, but coping with the next crest and containing its damage will keep many regional governments busy throughout this summer.

The question is, should this be the case forever?

If the same situation repeats year after year, something is clearly wrong with flood prevention measures. It is time to reflect on the efficiency of flood-prevention efforts and find ways to improve its efficacy.

Each year, central and local governments invest heavily in flood prevention and relief. Even so, the list of damaged homes and harvests, loss of lives and emergency relocations, continues to grow. Disasters always inspire calls for more flood control endeavors, and such a pressing calamity, rightly, justifies generous budgetary support.

Even while guaranteeing the necessary funds, efforts must be made to choke this yearly expenditure binge.

If the annual investments for flood relief are focused upon projects intended for the short-term, then there is little chance of breaking that vicious cycle. In addition to refined planning, there must also be stricter auditing so as to ensure that its disaster potential is not utilized as a cash cow by corrupt officials.

(China Daily 06/30/2010 page8)