Canada: Aerial Video Shows Wildfires Burning Near Armstrong, Ontario

Wildfires burn near Armstrong, Ontario, as seen from a small aircraft flying between Smoothrock Lake and Mattice Lake on Monday, June 13, 2026. The footage comes as more than 100 wildfires burn across the province, with several northwestern Ontario communities under threat and smoke blanketing Toronto in some of the world's worst air quality this week.

UAE: Dubai Battered by Heavy Rain and Flooding as Severe Storm System Moves In

Heavy rain, thunder, and flooding struck Dubai and across the UAE beginning March 23, causing widespread disruption to roads and travel. Parts of Abu Dhabi and Ajman recorded rainfall totals that almost reached annual levels, with gauges recording up to 93.3mm. Authorities warned that worse conditions were expected to peak Thursday night into Friday morning, with the possibility of hail, damaging winds, and isolated tornadoes. Residents were advised to avoid flood-prone areas and unnecessary travel as the storm system was forecast to continue through Friday, March 27.

US: Powerful Atmospheric River Brings Major Flood Threat to California 3

A powerful atmospheric river slammed California, bringing heavy rainfall and strong winds that elevated the flash flood threat to Level 3. Evacuation warnings have been issued for vulnerable areas near recent burn scars from wildfires, as the storm is expected to bring several months' worth of rain in the span of just a few days.

US: Powerful Atmospheric River Brings Major Flood Threat to California 2

A powerful atmospheric river began slamming California, bringing heavy rainfall and strong winds that elevated the flash flood threat to Level 3. Evacuation warnings have been issued for vulnerable areas near recent burn scars from wildfires, as the storm is expected to bring several months' worth of rain in the span of just a few days.

US: Powerful Atmospheric River Brings Major Flood Threat to California

A powerful atmospheric river began slamming California, bringing heavy rainfall and strong winds that elevated the flash flood threat to Level 3. Evacuation warnings have been issued for vulnerable areas near recent burn scars from wildfires, as the storm is expected to bring several months' worth of rain in the span of just a few days.

US: King Tides, Nor’easter Bring Flood Risk to North Carolina Coast

The combination of King Tides and a strong Nor’easter brought a threat of flooding along the North Carolina Outer Banks. Life-threatening rip currents were expected in the surf zone at Emerald Isle, prompting officials to continue flying red flags on October 10.

US: King Tides, Nor’easter Bring Flood Risk to North Carolina Coast 2

The combination of King Tides and a strong Nor’easter brought a threat of flooding along the North Carolina Outer Banks. Life-threatening rip currents were expected in the surf zone at Emerald Isle, prompting officials to continue flying red flags on October 10.

US: South Florida Faces Flood Threat During Labor Day Weekend

South Florida is under a flood threat through Labor Day, September 1 with up to 10 inches of rain possible. Residents are advised to stay alert and avoid flooded roads. This video shows flooded roads in Hollywood, Broward County on Sunday, August 31.

Train Crosses Yamuna Bridge Amid Rising Waters

Train Crosses Yamuna Bridge Amid Rising Waters

A passenger train crosses the old Yamuna Bridge over the Yamuna River in Prayagraj, India, on August 3, 2025, as water levels rise following intense monsoon rains. The annual monsoon season brings both critical rainfall and recurring threats of flooding to northern India. As river levels swell, vital infrastructure such as bridges and railway lines come under increased strain. Despite the rising water, train services continue to operate, highlighting the region’s reliance on rail transport for daily commuting and economic activity. The swollen river beneath the historic bridge creates a dramatic visual contrast, underscoring the intersection of resilience, risk, and infrastructure in flood-prone areas. Authorities remain on alert as continued rainfall poses a threat to low-lying neighborhoods and transport systems across the region. Photo by Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Boatmen Navigate Flooded Yamuna Riverbank

Boatmen Navigate Flooded Yamuna Riverbank

Boatmen row a boat near a partially submerged helipad on the banks of the Yamuna River in Prayagraj, India, on August 3, 2025, as water levels rise following days of heavy monsoon rains. Seasonal flooding along India's major rivers often disrupts infrastructure, submerges roads and low-lying areas, and forces local residents to adapt their routines. The partially flooded helipad illustrates the extent of the overflow, as water encroaches upon critical infrastructure. Small boats become an essential mode of transport and livelihood for those living along the riverbanks. The image reflects the resilience of communities in flood-prone regions, where annual monsoon patterns bring both vital water resources and the looming threat of displacement or property loss. Photo by Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Boatmen Navigate Flooded Yamuna Riverbank

Boatmen Navigate Flooded Yamuna Riverbank

Boatmen row a boat near a partially submerged helipad on the banks of the Yamuna River in Prayagraj, India, on August 3, 2025, as water levels rise following days of heavy monsoon rains. Seasonal flooding along India's major rivers often disrupts infrastructure, submerges roads and low-lying areas, and forces local residents to adapt their routines. The partially flooded helipad illustrates the extent of the overflow, as water encroaches upon critical infrastructure. Small boats become an essential mode of transport and livelihood for those living along the riverbanks. The image reflects the resilience of communities in flood-prone regions, where annual monsoon patterns bring both vital water resources and the looming threat of displacement or property loss. Photo by Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

US: Severe Weather Brings Heavy Rain, Causing Flash Flooding in Iowa 2

Severe weather swept through Iowa on Friday, July 11, bringing the threat of tornadoes and flash flooding to the area. At Iowa Speedway in Newton, the IndyCar practice session was suspended due to a tornado warning. This video shows flooded roads in Davenport.

US: Severe Weather Brings Heavy Rain, Causing Flash Flooding in Iowa

Severe weather swept through Iowa on Friday, July 11, bringing the threat of tornadoes and flash flooding to the area. At Iowa Speedway in Newton, the IndyCar practice session was suspended due to a tornado warning. This video shows a vehicle submerged on a flooded road in northern Davenport amid a flash flood warning.

US: Heavy Rain Floods Nebraska Roads, Prompts Weather Alerts

Severe weather swept through Nebraska on Thursday, July 10, bringing heavy rain and a tornado threat, and prompting a Flood Watch for several counties.

US: Severe Thunderstorms Bring Flooding, Tornado Threat to D.C. Region

Severe thunderstorms swept across the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast on Wednesday, July 9, triggering flash flooding in some areas. A tornado warning was issued for Washington, D.C., and parts of Maryland.

US: Severe Thunderstorms Trigger Rare Flash Flood Emergency in Pennsylvania

Severe thunderstorms swept across Pennsylvania on Monday, June 30, bringing heavy rain and strong winds to several areas, including the Philadelphia region. Shortly before 11 p.m., the National Weather Service office in State College issued a rare Flash Flood Emergency for northern Lancaster County and parts of Lebanon County, citing the threat of life-threatening flooding caused by heavy rainfall.

US: Severe Thunderstorms Bring Tornado Threat, Flash Flooding to Oklahoma

Severe thunderstorms swept through central Oklahoma on Tuesday, April 29, bringing tornado threats, heavy rain and flash flooding.

Australia: Residents Brace for Cyclone Alfred with Sandbag Preparations

Residents on the Sunshine Coast have been preparing for Tropical Cyclone Alfred by placing sandbags at their doors. The category two cyclone is expected to make landfall late Thursday night, March 6, or early Friday morning.

Poland: Flooding Threat Continues In Southern City Of Wroclaw 5

As flooding began to recede elsewhere in Central Europe, swollen rivers still threaten the southern region of Poland. Seven deaths are reported in Poland as of writing. This video shows the flooding situation in Wroclaw.

Poland: Flooding Threat Continues In Southern City Of Wroclaw 4

As flooding began to recede elsewhere in Central Europe, swollen rivers still threaten the southern region of Poland. Seven deaths are reported in Poland as of writing. This video shows the flooding situation in Wroclaw.

Poland: Flooding Threat Continues In Southern City Of Wroclaw 6

As flooding began to recede elsewhere in Central Europe, swollen rivers still threaten the southern region of Poland. Seven deaths are reported in Poland as of writing. This video shows the flooding situation in Wroclaw.

Poland: Flooding Threat Continues In Southern City Of Wroclaw 7

As flooding began to recede elsewhere in Central Europe, swollen rivers still threaten the southern region of Poland. Seven deaths are reported in Poland as of writing. This video shows the flooding situation in Wroclaw.

Poland: Flooding Threat Continues In Southern City Of Wroclaw 3

As flooding began to recede elsewhere in Central Europe, swollen rivers still threaten the southern region of Poland. Seven deaths are reported in Poland as of writing. This video shows the flooding situation in Wroclaw.

Poland: Flooding Threat Continues In Southern City Of Wroclaw

As flooding began to recede elsewhere in Central Europe, swollen rivers still threaten the southern region of Poland. Seven deaths are reported in Poland as of writing. This video shows the flooding situation in Wroclaw.

Poland: Flooding Threat Continues In Southern City Of Wroclaw 2

As flooding began to recede elsewhere in Central Europe, swollen rivers still threaten the southern region of Poland. Seven deaths are reported in Poland as of writing. This video shows the flooding situation in Wroclaw.

CHINA-XIANGTAN-JUANSHUI RIVER-DIKE-RESTORATION (CN)

CHINA-XIANGTAN-JUANSHUI RIVER-DIKE-RESTORATION (CN)

(240805) -- CHANGSHA, Aug. 5, 2024 Photo by Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM) -- An aerial drone photo taken on Aug. 5, 2024 shows the repaired dike in the Juanshui River in Hekou Township of Xiangtan County, central China's Hunan Province. All three dike breaches on a river in central China's Hunan Province have been sealed after rescuers worked around the clock to reduce the threat of flooding. The last two dike breaches on the Juanshui River in the city of Xiangtan were repaired on Sunday afternoon and Monday morning, according to the city's flood control and drought relief headquarters. Rescue workers said that 80 units of heavy machinery, including excavators and bulldozers, had been sent to repair the dike. Photo by Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM/Chen Sihan)

CHINA-XIANGTAN-JUANSHUI RIVER-DIKE-RESTORATION (CN)

CHINA-XIANGTAN-JUANSHUI RIVER-DIKE-RESTORATION (CN)

(240805) -- CHANGSHA, Aug. 5, 2024 Photo by Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM) -- An aerial drone photo taken on Aug. 5, 2024 shows the repaired dike in the Juanshui River in Hekou Township of Xiangtan County, central China's Hunan Province. All three dike breaches on a river in central China's Hunan Province have been sealed after rescuers worked around the clock to reduce the threat of flooding. The last two dike breaches on the Juanshui River in the city of Xiangtan were repaired on Sunday afternoon and Monday morning, according to the city's flood control and drought relief headquarters. Rescue workers said that 80 units of heavy machinery, including excavators and bulldozers, had been sent to repair the dike. Photo by Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM/Chen Sihan)

CHINA-XIANGTAN-JUANSHUI RIVER-DIKE-RESTORATION (CN)

CHINA-XIANGTAN-JUANSHUI RIVER-DIKE-RESTORATION (CN)

(240805) -- CHANGSHA, Aug. 5, 2024 Photo by Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM) -- An aerial drone photo taken on Aug. 5, 2024 shows the repaired dike in the Juanshui River in Yisuhe Town of Xiangtan County, central China's Hunan Province. All three dike breaches on a river in central China's Hunan Province have been sealed after rescuers worked around the clock to reduce the threat of flooding. The last two dike breaches on the Juanshui River in the city of Xiangtan were repaired on Sunday afternoon and Monday morning, according to the city's flood control and drought relief headquarters. Rescue workers said that 80 units of heavy machinery, including excavators and bulldozers, had been sent to repair the dike. Photo by Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM/Chen Sihan)

CHINA-XIANGTAN-JUANSHUI RIVER-DIKE-RESTORATION (CN)

CHINA-XIANGTAN-JUANSHUI RIVER-DIKE-RESTORATION (CN)

(240805) -- CHANGSHA, Aug. 5, 2024 Photo by Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM) -- An aerial drone photo taken on Aug. 5, 2024 shows the repaired dike in the Juanshui River in Hekou Township of Xiangtan County, central China's Hunan Province. All three dike breaches on a river in central China's Hunan Province have been sealed after rescuers worked around the clock to reduce the threat of flooding. The last two dike breaches on the Juanshui River in the city of Xiangtan were repaired on Sunday afternoon and Monday morning, according to the city's flood control and drought relief headquarters. Rescue workers said that 80 units of heavy machinery, including excavators and bulldozers, had been sent to repair the dike. Photo by Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM/Chen Sihan)

CHINA-XIANGTAN-JUANSHUI RIVER-DIKE-RESTORATION (CN)

CHINA-XIANGTAN-JUANSHUI RIVER-DIKE-RESTORATION (CN)

(240805) -- CHANGSHA, Aug. 5, 2024 Photo by Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM) -- An aerial drone photo taken on Aug. 5, 2024 shows the repaired dike in the Juanshui River in Yisuhe Town of Xiangtan County, central China's Hunan Province. All three dike breaches on a river in central China's Hunan Province have been sealed after rescuers worked around the clock to reduce the threat of flooding. The last two dike breaches on the Juanshui River in the city of Xiangtan were repaired on Sunday afternoon and Monday morning, according to the city's flood control and drought relief headquarters. Rescue workers said that 80 units of heavy machinery, including excavators and bulldozers, had been sent to repair the dike. Photo by Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM/Chen Sihan)

AFGHANISTAN-GHOR-MINARET OF JAM

AFGHANISTAN-GHOR-MINARET OF JAM

(240729) -- GHOR, July 29, 2024 Photo by Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM) -- Workers clear stones after a flood near the Minaret of Jam in the Shahrak District, central Afghanistan's Ghor Province, July 28, 2024. The Minaret of Jam, along with its archaeological remains, was inscribed on the World Heritage List by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 2002. In May, a huge flood hit the province, posing a threat to the minaret, which stands near the Hari River. (Photo by Saifurahman Safi/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

AFGHANISTAN-GHOR-MINARET OF JAM

AFGHANISTAN-GHOR-MINARET OF JAM

(240729) -- GHOR, July 29, 2024 Photo by Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM) -- This photo taken on July 28, 2024 shows part of the Minaret of Jam in the Shahrak District, central Afghanistan's Ghor Province. The Minaret of Jam, along with its archaeological remains, was inscribed on the World Heritage List by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 2002. In May, a huge flood hit the province, posing a threat to the minaret, which stands near the Hari River. (Photo by Saifurahman Safi/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

AFGHANISTAN-GHOR-MINARET OF JAM

AFGHANISTAN-GHOR-MINARET OF JAM

(240729) -- GHOR, July 29, 2024 Photo by Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM) -- A worker clears stones after a flood near the Minaret of Jam in the Shahrak District, central Afghanistan's Ghor Province, July 28, 2024. The Minaret of Jam, along with its archaeological remains, was inscribed on the World Heritage List by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 2002. In May, a huge flood hit the province, posing a threat to the minaret, which stands near the Hari River. (Photo by Saifurahman Safi/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

AFGHANISTAN-GHOR-MINARET OF JAM

AFGHANISTAN-GHOR-MINARET OF JAM

(240729) -- GHOR, July 29, 2024 Photo by Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM) -- This photo taken on July 28, 2024 shows part of the Minaret of Jam in the Shahrak District, central Afghanistan's Ghor Province. The Minaret of Jam, along with its archaeological remains, was inscribed on the World Heritage List by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 2002. In May, a huge flood hit the province, posing a threat to the minaret, which stands near the Hari River. (Photo by Saifurahman Safi/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

AFGHANISTAN-GHOR-MINARET OF JAM

AFGHANISTAN-GHOR-MINARET OF JAM

(240729) -- GHOR, July 29, 2024 Photo by Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM) -- This photo taken on July 28, 2024 shows the Minaret of Jam and the Hari River in the Shahrak District, central Afghanistan's Ghor Province. The Minaret of Jam, along with its archaeological remains, was inscribed on the World Heritage List by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 2002. In May, a huge flood hit the province, posing a threat to the minaret, which stands near the Hari River. (Photo by Saifurahman Safi/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

AFGHANISTAN-GHOR-MINARET OF JAM

AFGHANISTAN-GHOR-MINARET OF JAM

(240729) -- GHOR, July 29, 2024 Photo by Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM) -- A man cools himself off in the Hari River in the Shahrak District, central Afghanistan's Ghor Province, July 28, 2024. The Minaret of Jam, along with its archaeological remains, was inscribed on the World Heritage List by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 2002. In May, a huge flood hit the province, posing a threat to the minaret, which stands near the Hari River. Photo by Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM/Zhao Jiasong)

AFGHANISTAN-GHOR-MINARET OF JAM

AFGHANISTAN-GHOR-MINARET OF JAM

(240729) -- GHOR, July 29, 2024 Photo by Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM) -- This photo taken on July 28, 2024 shows the repaired protection wall and the Minaret of Jam after a flood in the Shahrak District, central Afghanistan's Ghor Province. The Minaret of Jam, along with its archaeological remains, was inscribed on the World Heritage List by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 2002. In May, a huge flood hit the province, posing a threat to the minaret, which stands near the Hari River. Photo by Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM/Zhao Jiasong)

AFGHANISTAN-GHOR-MINARET OF JAM

AFGHANISTAN-GHOR-MINARET OF JAM

(240729) -- GHOR, July 29, 2024 Photo by Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM) -- This photo taken on July 28, 2024 shows part of the Minaret of Jam in the Shahrak District, central Afghanistan's Ghor Province. The Minaret of Jam, along with its archaeological remains, was inscribed on the World Heritage List by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 2002. In May, a huge flood hit the province, posing a threat to the minaret, which stands near the Hari River. (Photo by Saifurahman Safi/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

AFGHANISTAN-GHOR-MINARET OF JAM

AFGHANISTAN-GHOR-MINARET OF JAM

(240729) -- GHOR, July 29, 2024 Photo by Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM) -- Workers clear stones after a flood near the Minaret of Jam in the Shahrak District, central Afghanistan's Ghor Province, July 28, 2024. The Minaret of Jam, along with its archaeological remains, was inscribed on the World Heritage List by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 2002. In May, a huge flood hit the province, posing a threat to the minaret, which stands near the Hari River. (Photo by Saifurahman Safi/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

AFGHANISTAN-GHOR-MINARET OF JAM

AFGHANISTAN-GHOR-MINARET OF JAM

(240729) -- GHOR, July 29, 2024 Photo by Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM) -- This photo taken on July 28, 2024 shows the Minaret of Jam and its surrounding area in the Shahrak District, central Afghanistan's Ghor Province. The Minaret of Jam, along with its archaeological remains, was inscribed on the World Heritage List by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 2002. In May, a huge flood hit the province, posing a threat to the minaret, which stands near the Hari River. (Photo by Saifurahman Safi/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Canada: Tornado-Warned Storm Batters Southern Ontario 5

Severe thunderstorms moved through southwestern Ontario on Thursday, June 13, bringing heavy rain, hail, and the threat of tornadoes. Environment Canada issued thunderstorm and tornado warnings for parts of Ontario and Quebec.

Canada: Tornado-Warned Storm Batters Southern Ontario 3

Severe thunderstorms moved through southwestern Ontario on Thursday, June 13, bringing heavy rain, hail, and the threat of tornadoes. Environment Canada issued thunderstorm and tornado warnings for parts of Ontario and Quebec.

Canada: Tornado-Warned Storm Batters Southern Ontario 4

Severe thunderstorms moved through southwestern Ontario on Thursday, June 13, bringing heavy rain, hail, and the threat of tornadoes. Environment Canada issued thunderstorm and tornado warnings for parts of Ontario and Quebec.

Canada: Tornado-Warned Storm Batters Southern Ontario 2

Severe thunderstorms moved through southwestern Ontario on Thursday, June 13, bringing heavy rain, hail, and the threat of tornadoes. Environment Canada issued thunderstorm and tornado warnings for parts of Ontario and Quebec.

Canada: Tornado-Warned Storm Batters Southern Ontario

Severe thunderstorms moved through southwestern Ontario on Thursday, June 13, bringing heavy rain, hail, and the threat of tornadoes. Environment Canada issued thunderstorm and tornado warnings for parts of Ontario and Quebec.

Russian regions fight flood as water levels remain high

STORY: Russian regions fight flood as water levels remain high SHOOTING TIME: April 16-18, 2024 DATELINE: April 19, 2024 LENGTH: 00:03:02 LOCATION: Moscow CATEGORY: SOCIETY/ENVIRONMENT SHOTLIST: (Source: Emercom of Russia) 1. various of affected areas and rescue efforts STORYLINE: Russia's Kurgan and Tyumen regions have evacuated more than 15,000 people as of Thursday due to flooding threat as water levels are forecast to continue rising in the coming days. In the Kurgan region, the water level of the Tobol River keeps rising, the Ministry of Emergency Situations said Thursday, adding that in the regional center, the level has reached around 970 cm, surpassing the dangerous mark. Almost 14,000 people have been evacuated, with 2,090 residential buildings and 3,380 country houses flooded, data from the regional department of emergency situations showed Thursday. The water in the Tobol River near Kurgan will continue to rise in the next one to two days, the department said. In the neighboring Tyumen re

Homeland Security Hearing - Washington

Homeland Security Hearing - Washington

Lucinda Andreani, Deputy County Manager and Flood Control District Administrator, Coconino County State of Arizona, appears before a Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs hearing to examine responding to the increasing wildfire threat, in the Dirksen Senate Office Building in Washington, DC, USA, Thursday, March 14, 2024. Photo by Rod Lamkey/CNP/ABACAPRESS.COM

Homeland Security Hearing - Washington

Homeland Security Hearing - Washington

Lucinda Andreani, Deputy County Manager and Flood Control District Administrator, Coconino County State of Arizona, appears before a Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs hearing to examine responding to the increasing wildfire threat, in the Dirksen Senate Office Building in Washington, DC, USA, Thursday, March 14, 2024. Photo by Rod Lamkey/CNP/ABACAPRESS.COM

Homeland Security Hearing - Washington

Homeland Security Hearing - Washington

Lucinda Andreani, Deputy County Manager and Flood Control District Administrator, Coconino County State of Arizona, appears before a Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs hearing to examine responding to the increasing wildfire threat, in the Dirksen Senate Office Building in Washington, DC, USA, Thursday, March 14, 2024. Photo by Rod Lamkey/CNP/ABACAPRESS.COM

Former mining areas in NW China see better water quality

STORY: Former mining areas in NW China see better water quality DATELINE: June 6, 2022 LENGTH: 00:01:11 LOCATION: XI'AN, China CATEGORY: ENVIRONMENT SHOTLIST: various of the mining areaSOUNDBITE 1 (Chinese): WANG YONGGUI, Local officialSOUNDBITE 2 (Chinese): CHEN CHAO, Water treatment technicianvarious of water treatment facilities STORYLINE: The water quality in Qinling-Bashan mountainous region in northwest China's Shaanxi Province has improved a lot through the years, thanks to the intensified efforts of local government to purify water flowing from abandoned coal mines. In the past, rain water flowing through the mines took away metallic elements that were oxidized by the air to form sulphur, which posed a threat to water quality in local rivers. SOUNDBITE 1 (Chinese): WANG YONGGUI, Local official "It is what we call rust, which is in a stable state. Usually, it slowly settles down on the river bed and stops moving. But if there is heavy rain, it will be taken to the Han River along with the flood