Editorials

Border area flood

(China Daily)
Updated: 2010-08-24 09:34

Yalu River, a waterway that personifies the friendship between China and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) over the past six decades, has breached its banks on both sides because of torrential rains on Saturday, flooding vast stretches along both banks in China and the DPRK.

Since more heavy rain is forecast within 24 hours, it is necessary for both sides to remain in touch and keep each other informed of the latest developments and the measures being taken to control the flood.

Sixty years ago, people on both sides of the river made joint efforts to support their soldiers in the fight against aggressors. Now that flooding has devastated their homes and disrupted their normal lives, there is enough reason for both sides to show their concern for one another and help each other, whenever possible, to overcome the difficulties.

For the time being, with traffic reportedly paralyzed in the DPRK city of Sinuiju, rescue efforts must be very difficult. If communication is maintained between both sides, the Chinese side, based on its own flood control and rescue experience, may be able to offer some advice on the most effective rescue and relief efforts.

Even in the reconstruction after the flood, the city of Dandong and its counterpart Sinuiju on the other side of the river need to share their experiences and help each other in building a better future.