The water level of the Three Gorges Dam will be raised to 175 metres for the first time from 10 September, according to the Yangtze Waterway Bureau. Waterway officials are making sure that maintenance work will continue, that changes in the riverbed are closely monitored and analysed, and that all the equipment needed in times of emergency is in place.

Maritime authorities in Chongqing and Yichang have also been busy promoting awareness among companies of the upcoming rise in water level and its possible impact on their business operations.

It was originally planned to raise the water level to 175 metres last year. However, due to the severe drought across the upper, middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze, the plan was halted and the water releasing cycle started earlier than scheduled to alleviate the problem.