Planning mistake blamed for city's flood woes

GUANG'AN, Sichuan - The worst flood to hit eastern Sichuan province in more than 160 years was exacerbated by the narrowing of Qujiang River to allow for new construction, city officials admitted.

A mistake in the planning of a 3-meter riverside path, which was built on former flood land in 1991, hinders the discharge of water, it was confirmed.

Guang'an consists of new and old districts. The low-lying old district has been flooded three times in six years, with the economic loss surpassing 1 billion yuan ($140 million) each time.