Dongting Lake dike breach sealed after weekend race against rising waters

Rescuers battling the clock sealed a dike breach along Dongting Lake by Monday night, following a frantic effort to prevent further flooding after a section gave way Friday evening.

The 220-meter gap in the Tuanzhou township embankment near Yueyang city was plugged by 10:33 pm Monday, according to local authorities. Crews had ramped up construction throughout the weekend after water levels in the flooded township finally receded to match those of the lake.

Officials announced at a press conference held at the breach site that pumping operations to remove the floodwater from the township would begin immediately.

The breach occurred around 5:48 pm Friday, prompting swift evacuation efforts to ensure resident safety. No casualties were reported.