China's 'sponge cities' aim to re-use 70% of rainwater

by Asit K Biswas, Kris Hartley.

Updated 0907 GMT (1707 HKT) October 15, 2018

In 2012, a bridge leading to the town of Laishui, in northern China's Hebei province, just north of capital Beijing, collapsed. Floods in Beijing caused "significant losses."
Photos: Severe floods in major cities
Beijing, China (2012) – In 2012, a bridge leading to the town of Laishui, in northern China's Hebei province, just north of capital Beijing, collapsed. Floods in Beijing caused "significant losses."
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In 2016, following flooding in Wuhan, in China's central Hubei province, authorities issued an orange alert for heavy rain in central and southern parts of China. T alert is the second highest of China's four-tier warning system for rainstorms.
Photos: Severe floods in major cities
Wuhan, China (2016) – In 2016, following flooding in Wuhan, in China's central Hubei province, authorities issued an orange alert for heavy rain in central and southern parts of China. T alert is the second highest of China's four-tier warning system for rainstorms.
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During a period of heavy flooding in Nanjing, paramilitary policemen carried residents from their homes.
Photos: Severe floods in major cities
Nanjing, China (2016) – During a period of heavy flooding in Nanjing, paramilitary policemen carried residents from their homes.
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During the 2016 floods in Tianjin, an orange alert was issued -- during which time drivers navigated their vehicles through flooded roads.
Photos: Severe floods in major cities
Tianjin, China (2016) – During the 2016 floods in Tianjin, an orange alert was issued -- during which time drivers navigated their vehicles through flooded roads.
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Following the devastation of Hurricane Harvey in 2017, homes were surrounded by floodwater in Houston, Texas.
Photos: Severe floods in major cities
Houston, USA (2017) – Following the devastation of Hurricane Harvey in 2017, homes were surrounded by floodwater in Houston, Texas.
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Heavy rain showers brought Mumbai to a standstill. Pedestrians had to walk through flooded streets, while dozens of flights and local train services were canceled.
Photos: Severe floods in major cities
Mumbai, India (2017) – Heavy rain showers brought Mumbai t