Three Gorges Reservoir experiencing highest water levels

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The Three Gorges Dam has increased its discharge volume from 34,000 cubic meters per second to 40,000. According to the Yangtze River Bureau of Hydrology, a severe flood is forming on the upper reaches of the Yangtze River. The Three Gorges Reservoir is experiencing some of the highest water levels since its completion.

Located on the provincial border of Hubei Province with Chongqing municipality, the world's largest dam is expected to experience a peak flow of up to 70,000 cubic meters per second, far exceeding the 50,000 level in 1998. Locks that enable ships to pass through will be shut down if the flow rate goes beyond 45,000 cubic meters per second. The flood control headquarters has urged local governments to step up efforts to fight the floods.

Wei Shanzhong, Yangtze Flood Control headquarters, said, "Although the peak flow will be the highest ever, the total amount of floodwaters is far less than those in 1954 and 1998. In addition, the huge capacity of the Three Gorges Dam will help fight floods downstream of the Yangtze River. The major task right now is to get ready for the floodwaters from the upper reaches, and decrease the flood control pressure for downstream areas. "

The Three Gorges Dam has increased its discharge volume from 34,000 cubic meters per second to 40,000.

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