Natural disasters in China was expected in 1996. This yield was anticipated despite torrential summer rains throughout China that flooded 32,500 square kilometres (8 million acres) of cropland, caused thousands of deaths, left millions homeless, and cost billions of yuan in damage. The Yellow River crested at its highest recorded level, inspiring fears of a catastrophic dike breach. Nevertheless, over the past 50 years, natural disasters on average had reduced China's harvests by approximately 1% annually. Work proceeded on the world's largest flood-control and hydroelectric project, the controversial Three Gorges Dam on the Chang Jiang (Yangtze River) above Yichang. Chinese planners were considering huge
The Rabbits Who Caused All the Trouble one of the wolves because ""it is well known that lettuce-eaters cause lightning"". After the wolves announce plans ""to civilize"" the rabbits if they don't stop causing natural disasters, the rabbits decide to flee to an island. However, the other nameless animals - living out of harm's way - convince the rabbits to stay because ""This is no world for escapists"" and guarantee them protection against the wolves - ""in all probability"". After a flood - ""it is well known that carrot-nibblers with long ears cause floods"" - the wolves decide to imprison the rabbits, ""for their own good"". Weeks