Smaller rivers proving the bigger challenge

Data points to the country experiencing its worst flooding in 20 years

With Typhoon Nepartak still battering China's coastline, it looks like the severe flooding that has already soaked many cities in recent weeks will continue to play havoc in the Yangtze River basin.

Nepartak is only the first typhoon of the year, and the freak weather conditions are serving as an important lesson: Despite all the money cities have spent building high-rise towers and broad roads, they have committed far too little to protecting people's lives.