Drains to rein in rain

Has rainwater drainage system received enough attention in our urbanization drive over the past few decades?

Urban planners need to reflect on the question especially after the heaviest rainstorm in 61 years devastated Beijing on Saturday. Similar rainstorms have caused trouble in a number of other cities, including Nanjing, Hefei, Wuhan and Chengdu lately. In fact, a torrential downpour, even if it is not the heaviest in decades, can paralyze traffic in many Chinese cities.

Beijing authorities have admitted that the capital's drainage system leaves much to be desired. It could drain out rainwater only if precipitation is 30 millimeters or less an hour. That is also true of most cities across the country.