The rivers and canals that meander through Hemudu in southeastern China are a vital source of life and community ¡ª they provide income for fishermen, an after-school hangout spot for kids, and define the town¡¯s landscape. But when it rains, those waterways become a liability.
¡°This area floods every year,¡± says Zheng, a long-time resident who lives less than a mile away from a river. Over the past decade and a half, Zheng has seen floodwater repeatedly threaten the ground-floor grocery store that he runs and his home above. But with his income ¡°barely enough to make ends meet¡± and a grandson to look after, the 60-year-old says relocation isn¡¯t an option.
He¡¯s tried but failed to insure his property. ¡°Insurance companies turned us down because they said they¡¯d have no chance to make money,¡± says Zheng, who asked not to be identified by his full name for fear of reprisal. ¡°No one would take such a risk.¡±
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