The World’s Most Failed Dam, Built to Create Disaster | Tragedy Strikes at China's Sanmenxia Dam

On January 22nd, the Sanmenxia Dam in Henan Province, which is known as the first dam on the Yellow River, unexpectedly released water, causing the water level of the river to surge. At the time, the downstream of the river had almost dried up and many people were taking photos by the shallow banks of the river. However, some people who were in the middle of the river were not able to evacuate in time and were swept away by the sudden deluge of water. Witnesses reported that the river had risen by about 1.8 meters in six minutes. As of 7 am on January 23rd, officials have reported that 10 people were rescued from drowning, with six of them having already returned home. Two were being treated in the hospital for non-life-threatening injuries, and two had died after emergency resuscitation efforts. After an overnight search, there are still seven people missing. Verification, investigation, and rescue procedures are still underway.