The Hanjiang River in south China’s Pearl River Basin has witnessed its fifth flood of the year, according to the Ministry of Water Resources on Saturday.
Heavy rainfall caused the water level at the Sanhe Dam, located on the river’s main stem, to surge to 42.01 meters on Friday night. The persistent downpours have significantly elevated water levels, posing challenges to flood control efforts in the region.
In anticipation of the rising waters, the ministry closely monitored the situation and orchestrated preemptive water releases from three reservoirs along the river. A total of 220 million cubic meters of water was released to prepare for flood interception and mitigate potential downstream damage.
Meanwhile, the Second Songhua River in northeast China experienced its first flood of the year on Saturday. The water inflow into the Fengman Reservoir in its upper reaches reached a staggering 9,010 cubic meters per second, prompting authorities to take immediate action.
The Ministry of Water Resources has urged local authorities to ensure the safety of reservoirs, manage floods in small and medium-sized rivers, and implement measures to prevent mountain torrents. The ministry emphasized the importance of vigilance as torrential rains during the peak flood season, from late July to early August, have triggered flash flooding in many parts of China.
Communities along the Hanjiang River and other affected areas are on high alert, with emergency response teams deployed to assist residents and reinforce flood defenses. The ongoing floods highlight the challenges faced during China’s flood season and underscore the significance of coordinated efforts to protect lives and property.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
