What made Texas floods so devastating

Hello. As more than 100 people have now been confirmed dead in the Texas floods, we look at the factors that contributed to the disaster. In China, correspondent Laura Bicker visits a rare earth metals hub to examine the true cost of these critical materials. And finally, take a look at a new species of pterosaur - a flying reptile - that lived 200 million years ago.

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Floods death toll climbs to more than 100

A vigil for the flooding victims was held in the Texan city of San Antonio. Credit: Reuters

Four days after heavy rainfall caused flash flooding in central Texas, hopes to find survivors are fading, reports Angélica Casas from Kerr County, as more than 100 people have now been confirmed dead. Experts say a number of factors contributed to the tragedy, including volatile weather, unusual humidity and the Texan landscape. The area is not unaccustomed to extreme weather events - it is also known as "Flash Flood Alley". But on 4 July, around four months of rain fell in a matter of hours, after moisture-laden air built huge storm clouds over the area.

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Poisoned water and scarred hills

Dark dust clouds rise from deep craters where the earth’s crust has been sliced away over decades in search of a modern treasure.

Few may have heard of the district of Bayan Obo in northern China- but life as we know it could grind to a halt without it. The area is home to half of the world’s supply of a group of metals known as rare earths, used in devices including smartphones, TV screens, computers and electric vehicles. This dominance gives China huge economic and political leverage, but it comes at a cost.