Dongting, China's second-largest freshwater lake in Hunan Province, once again saw its water levels exceed the alert mark.
The surge in water levels was triggered by upstream floodwater inflows from the Yangtze River, the country's longest waterway, as torrential rains have swept across China for weeks, with floods occurring at the Yangtze and other rivers.
As of 8 a.m. Monday, water levels of 23 hydrological stations around the lake were recorded exceeding the alert levels, seven stations more than the number on Saturday, according to the provincial hydrological bureau.
The water level at the Chenglingji hydrological station, the outbound control station of the lake, reached 34.24 meters, 1.74 meters higher than the alert mark.
The bureau has forecasted that water levels of the lake will continue to rise, with the water at the Chenglingji station expected to exceed the guaranteed level from Tuesday to Wednesday.
On July 12, the Chenglingji station saw its water level reach 34.56 meters, 0.01 meters higher than the guaranteed level, and 2.06 meters higher than the alert level.
Water exceeding the guaranteed level indicates that flood control is in a state of extraordinary emergency. According to a local official, it is also necessary to make preparations for possible mass displacement of the public in addition to all-out rescue efforts and flood diversion measures.
