China maintains reservoir safety amidst devastating floods

Despite facing some of the worst flooding in recent years, China successfully navigated the deluge without a single dam failure, prioritizing the safety and well-being of its citizens. Water resources officials attributed this achievement to robust safety measures and proactive management strategies.

Liu Weiping, vice-minister of water resources, emphasized the importance of China's long-term commitment to reservoir safety, stating, "China's continuous efforts to promote the safety of reservoirs have laid solid foundation for the high-quality development in water conservancy." This dedication proved crucial during devastating floods this year, which impacted regions like the Haihe River Basin, the Songhua River Basin, and areas battered by multiple typhoons. Reservoirs played a critical role in mitigating these floods and minimizing disaster impacts, ensuring no dams breached.

Ahead of the flood season, the Ministry of Water Resources implemented a system of designated personnel responsible for the safety of large-scale reservoirs. Local authorities mirrored this approach for smaller and medium-sized reservoirs, ensuring accountability and meticulous oversight at all levels. Zhang Wenjie, an official from the ministry's operation management department, elaborated on this multi-tiered system, noting, "The personnel in charge of the administrative, technical and patrolling work in the 92,000 small-scale reservoirs were clarified, so that early warning information could be delivered directly to the front lines." Additionally, dilapidated reservoirs were mandated to remain empty during peak flood periods, further minimizing potential risks.

Beyond immediate flood control, the ministry has established a comprehensive framework for reservoir maintenance, modernization, and decommissioning. Since the launch of the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-25), over 10,000 hazardous reservoirs have been rehabilitated, restoring a significant amount of storage capacity. Furthermore, approximately 3,200 reservoirs deemed structurally unsound have been downgraded or decommissioned entirely.

Looking ahead, the ministry plans to leverage the winter and spring months to conduct thorough assessments of potential reservoir risks, ensuring continued safety and preparedness for future flooding events.