Severe Floods Sweep Through China

Over 700 people have died throughout the country as a result of floods and rain since the beginning of this year

(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.

Floods had hit 27 provinces and municipalities, including Chongqing, Hubei, Jiangxi and Sichuan Provinces, affecting 110 million people and forcing the evacuation of 8.06 million people since the beginning of this year. The economic losses related to the weather are 142.2 billion yuan, according to a press conference held by the State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters on July 21.

Torrential rains and floods, the worst in a decade, have claimed the lives of 701 people and left 347 missing in China this year, according to figures from the State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters and the Ministry of Civil Affairs.