Reports from the Yangtze River Administration show that shipping conditions at the intersection of the Yangtze and its tributary the Hanjiang River, continue to deteriorate.

The biggest flood in the tributary for 20 years, caused by recent heavy rainfall, has so far carried more than 7m cubic metres of silt and debris into the Yangtze, creating new shoals and hazards. The widest navigable section is currently no more than 130 metres because of the build-up of debris, according to official estimate. Emergency dredgers are working at the trouble spots.

In the meantime, Yangtze Maritime Safety Authorities have decided to issue separate permits for vessels passing the area to prevent a build-up of waiting vessels.