SIMIC

By the end of August, the flow of the river's central line decreased 50 per cent compared to previous years.

Experts declared the water level in some sections dropped five metres due to continuous high temperatures and little rain.

The drop in the middle and lower reaches is likely to continue in the nearby future. The drought has mainly affected large cargo ships, which have to sail at partial load.

"We've assessed the changes in the water level and channel of the Yangtze River trunk line based on meteorological and water regimen forecasts. Dredging has been carried out in key waterways in advance according to the results," said Yangtze River Administration of Navigation Affairs director Xu Houren.

"At the same time, we've also increased the discharge of reservoirs in the upper reaches. Since July, more than 30,000 ships have been safely escorted through shallow and dangerous waterways."