Heavy rainfall across the Yangtze region over recent days has raised the river water level substantially, and persuaded the management of Three Gorges shiplocks to revert to the five-step operation from 28 April.

Only 28 days ago on 31 March, shiplocks officials announced the change from a five- to four-step operation as the water level was reduced to 154.25 metres. The reduction was a direct result of the large-scale release of reservoir water to alleviate the severe drought in the middle and upper reaches of the Yangtze. As a consequence, the passing time for vessels was reduced by 40 minutes.

Now that the water level has risen to 155.7 metres, the Three Gorges Administration has decided to revert to the five-step operation to ensure safety and security for all passing vessels.