The Three Gorges Dam on the Yangtze River in China is a $30 billion gamble with a dual purpose: To try and stop flooding in Southern China; to generate hydro-electricity.
The Three Gorges Dam has been operational for a couple of years now, and it’s facing its first real test, with water levels rising perilously close to the Dam’s maximum capacity.
The dam is now close to capacity, with water levels rising by up to 4m a day. 20m more would mean a huge problem. The torrential rains which are causing these problems have already killed 146 people, with another 40 missing presumed dead.
The Yangtze has seen deadly floods in 1954 and 1998, but at least the Three Gorges Dam should lessen the death toll this time around. OK, so 1.4 million people had to be relocated during the dam’s construction, but it may end up having been a worthy venture in the end.
