Downstream storage ponds

Chinese media said the released water was being channelled into two downstream storage ponds.

Authorities are particularly concerned with Poyang Lake — China’s freshwater lake — in hard-hit Jiangxi province.

Water levels there have hit historic highs, prompting an effort by more than 100,000 soldiers and other personnel to rescue residents and shore up dykes and levees to prevent worse flooding.

Dramatic improvement is not expected anytime soon.

(Photograph:AFP)