The Yellow River, China’s second-longest river stretching 5,464 kilometers, has entered its frozen period in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. According to the Yellow River Conservancy Commission under the Ministry of Water Resources, a 673-kilometer stretch of the river has completely frozen over as of Tuesday.
In mid-November 2023, the river’s waters began to mix with shards of ice, signaling the onset of the freezing process in this northern section of the river. Typically, the solid ice formation begins in mid-December, but this year, although the initial icing started earlier, the formation of a solid ice cover was delayed due to frequent cold air masses and drastic temperature fluctuations. As a result, the ice layer is thinner than usual.
As temperatures continued to drop, the frozen period progressed rapidly, leading the river to ice over completely. Local authorities are maintaining heightened vigilance against potential ice-jam flooding to ensure safety during this period. The Yellow River’s ice conditions are a critical concern, as ice jams can lead to sudden flooding, posing risks to nearby communities and infrastructure.
The frozen section in Inner Mongolia accounts for one-sixth of the Yellow River’s total length. The region’s unique climatic conditions contribute to the river’s annual freeze, an event closely monitored by environmental and water resource agencies.
Local communities along the riverbanks are accustomed to the seasonal changes but remain attentive to official advisories. The thinner ice layer this year underscores the importance of ongoing surveillance and preparedness measures implemented by the authorities.
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Yellow River section in north China's Inner Mongolia freezes
cgtn.com
