Author Topic: China blasts dam on Yangtze tributary to ease flooding, death toll climbs to more than 150  (Read 414 times)

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Online Elderberry

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The Watchers by Julie Celestial on July 20, 2020

Authorities in central China have blasted a dam on the Yangtze River tributary on Sunday, July 19, 2020, to ease surging waters amid severe flooding. The grim situation has left millions affected, damaged more than 28 000 houses, and caused more than 150 fatalities-- 23 of which were reported since Thursday alone, July 16.

According to state broadcaster China Central Television, the dam on the Chuhe River in Anhui Province was blasted with explosives early Sunday, and the water level was expected to drop by 700 mm (28 inches).

Water levels on hundreds of rivers, including the Yangtze, have been unusually high due to extremely heavy rains this season-- 33 of which even crossed historical highs.

In the past week, the Three Gorges Dam on the Yangtze opened three floodgates as the water level behind it surged to more than 15 m (50 feet) above flood level. Another surge is expected to occur at the dam on Tuesday, July 21.

More: https://watchers.news/2020/07/20/china-blasts-dam-on-yangtze-tributary-to-ease-flooding-death-toll-climbs-to-more-than-150/