Chinese authorities are gearing up to improve precautionary measures against disasters. Faced with a rainy season which has left 1,179 people dead so far, China has drafted its first flood control law. Yang Qian of the ministry of water resources said the law, which will be submitted to the National People's Congress next year, dealt with the challenges posed to flood control by the country's rapid economic development.

"Many cities and towns are expanding themselves and setting up economic development zones without giving consideration to possible floods, and some even build factories in the low-lying regions without flood control facilities," Yang wid.

Yang added the draft law would enforce a licence system to ensure that construction projects did not hinder the flow of rivers, noting that some sites had even cut river courses.