China bombs ice, reduces Yellow River flood risk
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Chinese explosive experts on Tuesday blew to pieces a 2-km long ice blockage in a part of the Yellow River prone to flooding in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region.
Yan Xinguang, spokesman for the Inner Mongolia Yellow River Ice Runs Control Headquarters, said the bombing reduced the flood risk caused by the build-up of floating ice in Yellow River section of Hangjin Banner (County), Ordos City.
The Yellow River, China's second longest, freezes and thaws at different times, posing flood risks mainly in Inner Mongolia and east China's Shandong Province.
On Tuesday, a 493-km-long section of the river in Inner Mongolia remained frozen, while a 227-km long stretch upper stream in the region thawed.
"The river normally thaws completely before March 25. However, this year it may not happen till the start of April," Yan said.
