A significant dike breach occurred at Dongting Lake in Huarong County, Hunan Province, central China, at 5:48 p.m. last Friday. The breach, measuring approximately 8 meters in width and 150 meters in length, prompted the safe evacuation of 5,755 residents from the affected area.
As of 10 p.m. on Friday, emergency crews reported that no injuries were sustained. The local flood control department confirmed the successful relocation of all residents.
The breach has caused a substantial overflow of lake water, rapidly spreading across a 50 square kilometer area near Tuanbei Village in Tuanzhou Township under Yueyang City. This region previously experienced a similar dike breach in 1996.
In response to the crisis, sand carrier ships and trucks have been deployed to manage the floodwaters and repair the gap. To support the displaced residents, local authorities have provided 1,000 tents, 3,200 folding beds, summer cooling mats, and mattresses.
Dongting Lake, China's second-largest freshwater lake, has been significantly impacted by the strongest rainfall Hunan has seen this year, breaking local historical records in several regions since June 16.
Reference(s):
Dike breach occurs in China's Dongting Lake, 5,755 evacuated
cgtn.com
