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Pinglu Canal: Trade Route and Disaster Shield
15 Jul
Summary
- Canal held strong against extreme weather including typhoon Maysak.
- Water level was 3.17 meters lower due to the canal's presence.
- It connects a river system directly to the sea, a first for PRC.
The recently constructed Pinglu Canal in China's Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region has proven its resilience during extreme weather. During Typhoon Maysak, which brought unprecedented rainfall and flooding, the canal effectively managed water flow, demonstrating its capacity as both a trade artery and a disaster prevention system.
The canal's modifications to the Qinjiang River, including widening and deepening, significantly enhanced the region's ability to discharge floodwaters. As a result, water levels during the recent flood were substantially lower than they would have been without the canal's intervention, offering crucial protection to riverside areas.
This strategic water transport project is notable as the first in China to directly link a river system to the sea since the establishment of the People's Republic of China. It is set to provide an efficient and cost-effective trade passage to Southeast Asian nations and is scheduled for completion in September.
