Sluice gates opened to discharge flood water at Three Gorges Dam

By Saimah Hanif

Heavy rains across southern China are pushing water levels at the Three Gorges Dam past the flood level limit. Right now sluice gates have been opened to discharge flood water.

The upper reaches of the Yangtze River has been rising at speeds approaching 40 thousand cubic meters per second. On Monday, the water lever in the Three Gorges Dam rose to over 146 meters, which is one meter higher than the maximum flood limit level. The flood speed is expected to peak at 42 thousand cubic meters per second.

Accordingly flood prevention measures have been fully taken by the local government and all the related departments are on the alert. Due to the influence of the estimated floods, the Gezhou Dam's No.1 navigation lock is required to halt shipping service. Some low-wattage ships are restricted to travel between the Gezhou Dam and Three Gorges Dam during the peak time of the floods.