Highest Flood Crest in 2011 Flows through Three Gorges Dam Safely

Last night, the highest flood crest from upper reaches of Yangtze River flew through Three Gorges Dam smoothly and safely. Relevant departments of Three Gorges Dam did complete preparation to deal with the flood crest. Three Gorges Dam and its power stations, ship locks and some other facilities run normally.

Due to the continuous rainfall at upper reaches of Yangtze River, the water level of Three Gorges keeps rising rapidly from September 19. The inflow of Three Gorges Reservoir almost tripled in two days. The largest inflow reached 45000 cubic meters per second when the flood crest arrived at Three Gorges Dam. That is the highest flood crest Three Gorges Dam encountered this year.

Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarter Office of Yangtze River has increased the flood discharge of Three Gorges Dam to 21000 cubic meters per second from September 19 to encounter this flood crest. Three Gorges Dam stopped more than 20000 cubic meters of flood per second when the flood crest flows through the dam. It is beneficial to the undergoing 175 meters experimental water storage of Three Gorges Reservoir.

Three Gorges Power Station make full use of the flood crest when it flows through Three Gorges Dam. All of the 26 power units operates normally. Navigation is available at both Three Gorges Dam and Gezhou Dam.