Fighting floods at China's largest freshwater lake

Against all odds

Poyang Lake is fed by several rivers within Jiangxi, and the lake's water flows into the Yangtze River. The water then flows eastward to the sea. As a conjunction point, the lake functions to adjust the water levels of rivers during drought and flood seasons.

"When the Yangtze floods, the floodwater goes into Poyang Lake," Yu said. "What we do is that we make sure the embankment is safe and fends off the rising water from flooding into the village."

The Dongsheng South Embankment is about 3 km long. Yu patrols it from daylight into the night to prevent any leaks.

"If we find any muddy water flowing out of the rear surface of the embankment, we use water-absorbing materials to cover it up, and dig small waterways on the spot to let the water go," he said. "As long as we retain the mud in the structure, it's OK."

Small leaks are commonplace, he said, because the structure consists of mud at the bottom, and water could seep through it.

"Animals, such as crayfish and eels, could dig holes in the structure, and the pressure from the lake pushes water through the holes too," he added.

"If a leaking hole is within a diameter of 5 cm, we deal with it by ourselves, otherwise we send for experts immediately," Yu said.

Patrolling the embankment also means walking in scorching heat and strong gusts of wind, but Yu said it is important to keep people safe.

For Yu, the most unforgettable day came on the night of July 12, when the water from the lake rose significantly, forming strong waves and constantly hitting the embankment.

"There were 700 to 800 people on the embankment that night to pile more sandbags to strengthen the structure," Yu recalled. "It hurt when the waves hit our faces."

The flood-fighters started in the afternoon and did not rest until the next morning.

"Currently we are short of manpower to fight the floods," he said. "But I heard that many migrant workers have returned to help, so it will be easier."