Severe Floods Sweep Through China

(Beijing) – Record-high water levels in the Yangtze River have raised concerns that the Three Gorges Dam is nearing maximum capacity.

Since the start of the flood season in April, more than 230 rivers have seen water levels pass the danger mark. Heavy rains had increased the volume of the Yangtze's mainstream and tributaries, especially the upper Jialing and Mintuo rivers. The Three Gorges Dam on the Yangtze River had recently acted as a buffer to a potentially destructive flood, blocking more than 40 percent of floodwater.

The Three Gorges Dam is the world's largest hydroelectric power station in Hubei Province on the Yangtze River. The flood control capability of the Three Gorges Dam faces great challenges as current floodwater levels may exceed historical highs.