In pictures: After China's deluge

Flood waters in and around central China's Dongting lake have started receding, but remain well above the danger level. Millions of people living nearby have been left to clear up the damage, and give thanks the lake's banks did not burst.

For some people the only way to get around is by boat

Keeping possessions dry is a daily obstacle course

At least residents need no longer go far to fish

The scale of the flooding has sometimes seemed dream-like or unreal

The clean up could take months

And repairing damage done to the local economy will also be time-consuming

But the hope now is that the worst is over