The water level of the reservoir at the Three Gorges dam fell to 145.84 metres at 2pm on 9 June, according to the China Three Gorges Dam Corporation, signalling the end of the water release process and its readiness for the flood season.

The primary function of the dam is flood prevention. The reservoir has a total storage capacity of 39.3bn cubic metres of water and the level can rise to a maximum of 175 metres during the flood season.

Starting in November, the reservoir will release water to relieve the usual drought conditions in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze. The water level drops to 165 metres by late 28 February, to 155 metres by late May and to 145 metres by around 10 June.

As a result of the current reduced water level, the five-step shiplocks have been reduced to four steps, resulting in a saving of 90 minutes for passing vessels, according to officials from the Three Gorges Administration of Navigation. This situation will last until October.