Residents remain calm, but my fears rise along with the waters

Since the start of this month, I had become increasingly anxious in Anhui province, where I am based.

As torrential rain continued to fall, flooding appeared to be inevitable. The only hope was that it would not be too serious, but my worst fears were soon confirmed, with rainfall volumes in many areas reaching record highs.

On July 7, when flooding hit Shexian county in the south of the province, local authorities were forced to delay two of the four exams for the gaokao, or national college entrance examination.