Sullivan also pointed to possible "complicating factors, " such as malnutrition, poor housing or crowded conditions.

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Mr. Huang has chosen a risky strategy: locating the bulk of the housing many miles from the crowded downtown in the hope that the new towns will eventually develop into new centers of activity.

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Since the floods, another 75, 000 people have crowded into the parish, heightening competition -- and prices -- for the remaining housing stock, he said.

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