A rare drought has affected transport on China's Yangtze River, the world's busiest inland waterway. By the end of August, the flow of the river's main line had decreased by more than 50 percent compared to previous years. Experts say the water level in some sections has dropped more than five meters due to continuous high temperatures and little rain. And the drop in the middle and lower reaches is likely to continue for the next week. An official from China's Ministry of Transport says the drought has mainly affected large cargo ships, which have to sail at partial load. Measures have been taken to ensure transport safety. 

XU HOUREN Director, Department of Channel & Navigation Control, Yangtze River Administration of Navigation Affairs "We've assessed the changes in the water level and channel of the Yangtze River trunk line based on meteorological and water regimen forecasts. Dredging has been carried out in key waterways in advance according to the results. At the same time, we've also increased the discharge of reservoirs in the upper reaches. Since July, more than 30-thousand ships have been safely escorted through shallow and dangerous waterways."