On August 19, the Three Gorges Dam opened 10 spillways to lower the flood pressure for the first time since 2003 when the massive dam started operation. On the day before, Sichuan Province issued a Level One Flood Alert, also for the first time in history. Floodwaters reached the feet of Leshan Giant Buddha for the first time in 70 years.
The fifth flood peak entered the Three Gorges Reservoir on Aug. 19 at a speed of 74,000 cubic meters per second. The Dam opened 10 spillways to discharge the flood, a record high since the opening of the dam.
Four days ago, the dam was just hit by the fourth Flood Peak on Aug. 14.
