The gate of Geheyan Dam, located in the Qingjiang River in Changyang, Hubei province, has been opened for the first time since 1998. The gate was opened on the afternoon of July 2, and water was permitted to flow through until noon on July 3. Many fish in the reservoir were washed away by the huge flow at the moment of opening. Some of the fish's heads were even shattered by the flood.

In the aftermath of torrential rains, there has been significant flooding throughout Hubei province. According to National Flood Control headquarters, it was decided that Geheyan Dam would discharge some flood waters in order to ease the situation. At the moment of opening, a huge water flow came rushing down at a rate of 4,000 cubic meters per second. The occasion attracted many local residents to view the spectacular scene.

In the mean time, many fish were washed downriver by the flood. Local residents were happy to take those fish back home. (Photo/ctdsb)