(Clearwisdom.net) Editors' note: Throughout history, the theme that a nation's fate is closely tied to the virtue of its leaders and people has been prevalent in both Chinese and Western culture and lore. Many wise, virtuous rulers have led their nations to peace and prosperity, while conversely, moral decay in high places has led to the downfall of great empires. These articles are meant to serve as a reminder and wake-up call for those who are leading or participating in large-scale acts of violence and injustice. As Teacher Li Hongzhi said in Essentials for Further Advancement, "When people do not have virtue, natural calamities and man-made disasters will abound."

According to a report in the China Commercial News on November 1, 2002, rainstorms hit the provinces of Guangdong, Jiangxi, Hunan, Guangxi, and the Autonomous Region in Southern China. Rainstorms caused water levels to rise for rivers, lakes, and reservoirs. In some places the severe rainstorms were disastrous. The most disastrous region was Shaoguan City in Guangdong Province. Floodwaters surrounded the city, submerged farm fields, and cut off access to roads. The losses were severe.

From October 27 to 30, 2002, rainstorms hit hard everywhere in Shaoguan City, Guangdong Province. The largest registered rainfall reached 211 mm (8.31 in.); the average rainfall was 120 mm (4.72 in.). The rainfall surpassed the levels seen on August 8 of this year, which only happens about once in a hundred years, and it surpassed the known record. According to preliminary estimation, over 13,000 acres of farm field were flooded in Lechang City, Shaoguan, Guangdong Province. Among the flooded fields, 3,300 acres were destroyed. Four hundred houses and 20 businesses were flooded, with a direct loss over 2 million Yuan (1 US dollar is about 8 Yuan). Transportation, electricity, and communication facilities were damaged with a direct loss of over 130 million Yuan.

From October 28 to 30, 2002, Ganzhou City, Jiangxi Province had its worst autumn rainstorm since 1951. Everywhere in Ganzhou City experienced a heavy to torrential downpour. The water level passed the warning line in the three reservoirs of Zhangjiang, Youjiang, and Changgang, located in Ganzhou City, Gongjiang City, and Youluojiang City, respectively.

Starting on October 27, all areas in Hunan Province experienced nonstop rain. The cities of Yongzhou and Chenzhou experienced continuous torrential rain. The rainfall resulted in rises in water levels across the whole Xiangjiang River. At 8 a.m. on October 30, the water level in Changsha Station reached 29.6 meters, breaking the 1949 record. According to forecasts, Zhuzhou, Xiangtan, and Changsha will experience flood peaks consecutively today.

In the last two days, Guangxi Province experienced strange autumn storms. Thirty-two counties were covered with torrential rain.