Water projects stand test of strongest floods in 20 years
The reservoirs can store 57.4 billion cubic meters of water and the flood detention areas another 59.1 billion cubic meters, it said.
Chen's department also must call all the water conservancy projects involved in the dynamic operational plans and ensure their implementation. "Communication needs to be done repeatedly," he said.
A lot of work has to be done at night. Though his home is only a half-hour drive away, Chen and his colleagues sleep in the office at times to be available when needed. They have to work without a day off during flood season.
"It's not easy for my two children to see me during flood season," he said. "Once they hear the doorbell, they know it's me. They are so excited that they rush to the door."
There are over 52,000 reservoirs in the Yangtze basin, and many discharge water before the rainy season to help accommodate floodwaters.
