A significant portion of the Yellow River in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region has entered the frozen period, according to the Yellow River Conservancy Commission under the Ministry of Water Resources.
Stretching 5,464 kilometers, the Yellow River's section in Inner Mongolia accounts for one-sixth of the river's total length. In mid-November 2023, the first shards of ice began to appear, creating a mesmerizing mix of ice and flowing water.
The freezing process accelerated in mid-December, and as of Tuesday, the river had completely frozen, forming a solid ice layer over 673 kilometers. This year, the frozen period saw frequent cold air masses and drastic temperature fluctuations, leading to an earlier onset of icing. However, the formation of a solid ice cover was delayed, resulting in a thinner ice layer than usual.
As temperatures continued to drop, the section of the Yellow River in Inner Mongolia iced over rapidly. Local authorities are now on high alert for potential ice-jam flooding, a concern that arises when chunks of ice obstruct the river flow, potentially leading to significant flooding. Measures are being taken to ensure the safety of residents and to mitigate any adverse impacts during the frozen period.
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Yellow River section in north China's Inner Mongolia freezes
cgtn.com