The Changjiang Water Resources Commission has decided to adopt some preventative measures in advance. The moves will guarantee the normal production and order as well as the navigational safety of shoal channels in the middle reaches of the Yangtze River, ensure the water supply along the middle and lower reaches, and prepare for the salt tide in the Yangtze River estuary.

Starting from Jan 1, the water discharging rate of the Three Gorges Dam will be increased gradually, from 6,900 cubic meters per second to 9,100. And from Jan 8, the rate will stay between 9,100 and 9,200 cubic meters per second.

Photo taken on Jan 8 shows night scenes around the Three Gorges Dam. [Photo/Xinhua]