Effects of River Training Works on Flood Control

Abstract

Owing to sedimentation, the lower course of the Yellow River has become a “suspended” river. The dikes are threatened by upward or downward shifts of the main current. Bifurucated channels may take up the main flow and attack parts of the dikes where no protection works are placed. Flow may be directed at angles which put flood prevention works in jeopardy. At times dike breaches have caused very grave disasters to people living along the Yellow River. Since 1950, river training works have been carried out reach by reach on the lower Yellow River. The completed training structures have stood severe tests from various floods for years. Improvements have been to pattern the cross-section of the river course and to avoid unfavorable wandering of the main currents. River training works in the lower reaches have played a remarkable role in ensuring the safety of people from floods.