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State of the Three Gorges Dam

Published at 16:08:01-0700 Updated
Tags: translation, chinese, zh

This is a translation of an image, seen on Twitter, about the current state of the Three Gorges Dam. I've done my best to preserve the news voice, and to ensure the accuracy of all technical terms related to flood control.

Translation

On July 18th, Xinhua News reported that, as a result of heavy rainfall, on the 17th the "second 2020 Yangtze flood" began in the upper reaches of the Yangtze.

The Three Gorges Dam's inflow rose rapidly, reaching 61,000 cubic meters per second as of 8 AM on the 18th. This is the largest floodwater to reach Three Gorges since the beginning of the flood season. The dam's outflow was 33,000 cubic meters per second, with the flood-blocking rate passing 45%. After retaining several cycles of floodwater, the Three Gorges Dam's water level had reached 160.1 meters -- 15 meters above its flood limit level [the highest allowable water level for flood containment.]

The report acknowledged that the Three Gorges Hub Operations Department's testing record showed the dam to be undergoing "displacement, seepage, and deformation." However, the [Xinhua] report did not provide specific data on those factors; rather, it stated in general terms that the dam was "within ordinary limits," and emphasized that "safety indicators for all of the dam's water-blocking structures are stable."

Original

《新华社》18日报道,受强降雨影响,“长江2020年第2号洪水”于17日在长江上游形成,三峡水库入库流量快速上涨,18日8时达每秒6万1000立方公尺,这是今年入汛以来抵达三峡的最大洪水。出库流量每秒3万3000立方公尺,拦洪率超过45%,拦蓄多轮洪水后,三峡水库水位已达160.1公尺,超出汛限水位15公尺。

报道中承认,三峡枢纽运行部门检测记录显示,三峡大坝发生“位移、渗流、变形等”。但报道没有给出具体的位移、渗流、变形的数据,而是笼统称“在正常范围内”,强调“大坝挡水建筑物各项安全指标稳定。”