Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Stunning images show crowds standing just inches from huge wave as it bursts through giant dam on China's Yellow River

Despite looking like a scene from a disaster movie, the spectacle is actually a meticulously-planned method of transporting silt

John Hall
Monday 08 July 2013 11:14 EDT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Stunning new images have captured the moment onlookers stood just inches away from a huge wave as it burst through a dam on China's Yellow River.

Despite looking like a scene from a disaster movie, the spectacle is actually a meticulously-planned method of transporting silt, with bystanders at risk of little more than a soaking.

In fact, the large-scale silt-shifting operation has become something of a tourist attraction, drawing large crowds who, umbrellas aloft, watch the waves crash through purpose-built holes in the huge dam.

The system allows around 30 million tonnes of the suspended sediment to be relocated every year, with close to 390 tonnes shifted since operations began in the Luoyang section of the Yellow River 13 years ago.

Video: Sand-washing at giant dam in China

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in