The Yangtze Maritime Safety Administration said discharges from the Three Gorges Dam would increase between 2 and 6 May so as to raise water levels in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze in advance of the rainy season. Boats and ships were warned to take extra care so as to avoid possible accidents.

The discharge rate increased from about 6,000 cubic metres per second to 8,000 cubic metres per second, according to a circular.