The problem was reportedly caused by flash floods in the Andes, which muddied the river Maipo and forced the closure of water processing plants.

BBC: Chile water shortage hits Santiago from Maipo river

Although the road was shut after the River Wye breached its banks, police said drivers were ignoring road closure signs and trying to get through, running the risk of getting stuck.

BBC: Flooding 'worse' than expected

Declining U.S. consumer sentiment has led to this year's closure of 10, 000 factories in China's export powerhouse, the Pearl River Delta in Guangdong province.

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