Response from relevant departments: It was not a sudden opening of the dam, but a child was washed away and drowned due to flood discharge from the dam | Department | Dam |
Recently, a child in Anlu City, Xiaogan City, Hubei Province drowned after falling into the water downstream of a dam and being washed away, which has attracted attention.
On July 7th, the relevant person in charge of the propaganda department in Anlu City told Red Star News reporters that the incident did not involve sudden opening of the dam to release water. There were previously protective barriers and safety signs near the dam, and protective measures have been strengthened in the surrounding area.
Red Star News previously reported that on the evening of July 5th, a flood was being discharged downstream of a dam in Anlu, with a large number of nearby citizens standing by the shore to watch and play. At this moment, a child suddenly fell into the water, and a man standing next to him in the water attempted to rescue him but was unsuccessful. The child was then washed away by the water. Red Star News learned from the Emergency Management Bureau of Anlu City that the incident of the child falling into the water occurred downstream of the river blocking dam of the local Jiefangshan Reservoir, and the man attempting to rescue on the side was the parent of the child. The child who fell into the water was rescued and ashore on the morning of the 6th with no signs of life.
The Jiefangshan Reservoir is located on the main stream of the Fu River to the west of the urban area of Anlu City. The reservoir intercepts water from the middle and upper reaches of the Fu River, a tributary of the north bank of the Yangtze River. The reporter learned that across from the dam is a riverside park, and there are long stone steps built on the dam embankment. During the dry season, the stones downstream of the Fuhe Dam become a place for local residents to play. During the flood season, when water is released, some downstream areas will be submerged by the river.
On June 19th, Hubei Daily reported that after the onset of the plum blossom season, Anlu City experienced the first round of heavy rainfall. Affected by this round of heavy rainfall, the water level of Jiefangshan Reservoir continues to rise and enters high water level operation. In order to alleviate and alleviate flood control pressure, ensure the safe operation of the reservoir during flood season and the safety of people's lives and property, in recent days, the Jiefangshan Reservoir has timely opened floodgates to discharge floodwaters to downstream rivers.
On the afternoon of July 7th, the relevant person in charge of the propaganda department in Anlu City told Red Star News reporters that at the time of the incident, it was not rumored that someone had opened the gate to release water while playing. "The dam is already releasing water normally." The person in charge also stated that protective measures had been built around the Jiefang Mountain Dam before, and there were safety warning signs with text and safety warnings broadcasted through loudspeakers. After the accident, the surrounding area has further strengthened its protective measures.
Red Star News Intern Journalist Hu Xianhe Journalist Ren Jiangbo
