cross-posted from: https://lemmy.sdf.org/post/41276896 > Extreme rainfall across swathes of China caused over 16 billion yuan ($2.24 billion) in road damage, the transport ministry said on Wednesday, highlighting how climate risks are placing additional pressure on the ailing economy’s public purse. > > The preliminary estimate covers damage to roads since the start of flood season, Li Ying, a ministry spokesperson, told reporters, and includes 23 provinces, regions and municipalities - more than two-thirds of China’s administrative divisions. > > Flood season officially began on July 1, according to China’s water resources ministry, and brought record rainfall to the country’s north and south. > > So far, some 540 million yuan in emergency road repair subsidies have been allocated to local authorities by the transport and finance ministries, Li said. > > […]