Official announcements from Hunan provincial authorities or verified news reports

Dike Breach in Dongting Lake on July 5 Expands to 220 Meters, 6,000 Evacuated

Jul 6, 2024, 01:31 PM

A significant breach occurred in the dike of Dongting Lake, China's second-largest freshwater lake, in Hunan Province on July 5, 2024. The breach, initially 100 meters wide, expanded to 220 meters, causing severe flooding in the area. The breach at Tuanzhou Dike in Huarong County was caused by downpours and prolonged inundation. President Xi Jinping has urged all-out rescue and relief efforts to safeguard lives and property. Approximately 6,000 residents have been evacuated, with local authorities working tirelessly to ensure the second dam holds. The Ministry of Public Security has dispatched a work team to guide the rescue efforts, and China Anneng Construction Group has joined the rescue operations. The closure of the breach is underway, with 75 meters sealed off as of Sunday midnight. The breach is expected to be fully sealed before noon on Tuesday. Traffic control measures have been imposed to facilitate the rescue operations. The inundated area is equivalent to about 6,672 standard football pitches with an average depth of 5 meters. The water level difference between the lake and the flooded area is 0.17 meters.