PRC Scientists Project Yellow River Flow In 2008 At 60% Of Historic Average - AFP

[hatrack]

EDIT

Only weeks earlier, the commission, which is tasked with administrating the river's entire 5,464 kilometre (3,398 miles) length, announced that water levels in 2008 are expected to be only 60 percent of normal volume. The main reasons, it said, included over-use and ongoing drought in northern China. "Everyone wants more water, the dams want water for electricity, the industries want water to increase production, the farmers want water for irrigation and cities need water for daily living," Li said.

"We estimate that some provinces and regions will see rather large shortages during peak water use periods, the situation concerning the water volume on the Yellow River isn't good."

Li's comments came as the government announced that more than 600 million cubic metres (17.5 billion cubic feet) of Yellow River water would be diverted to Hebei province near Beijing and to Shandong province to the east in the first months of 2008. The projects are geared to help the region overcome nearly a decade of drought and to ensure water supplies for the 2008 Beijing Olympics, press reports said.

"The diversion was supposed to begin on January 22, but it has been postponed so we are awaiting orders from the water ministry," said an official at the Shandong provincial Yellow River Conservancy Bureau in Liaocheng city where the diversion will begin.

EDIT

http://www.terradaily.com/2007/080201031750.hrxnidyu.html

On edit: fixed headline.

[kestrel91316]

1. This is actually a really good thing. Think on the positive side.

Lots fewer flood deaths.

:sarcasm:

[hogwyld]

2. If you've ever been to Beijing

It's one of the worst locations possible for a major city. No major water access, semi-arid area. Maybe they can mobilize all those people to "move" the city elsewhere.