Shanghai’s waterway authority took urgent measures to move a fleet of cargo ships clogging up a 3.7km-long section of Suzhou Creek. About 400 cargo ships have been unable to move for four days, according to the 20 March edition of Oriental Morning Post. Four patrol ships and nearly 50 officials were dispatched to get shipping flowing again and temporary berths were established.

Officials said continuous rain since late February in the Yangtze River Delta area had caused the jam. They said rising river levels had forced nearby cities to shut water gates and keep shipping out. The rain has also slowed down loading and unloading at ports along the creek.

Most of the ships involved transport stones and gravel for Shanghai’s construction projects.