The water level in the upper reaches of the Yellow River near Lanzhou, the capital of northwest China's Gansu Province, fell to a record low of 2 meters on March 10, 2007. Warmer than usual temperatures and diverting the waters for agricultural and industrial use are the main reasons behind the decline.

The river bed is now exposed in some parts of the river and operations have stopped at the famous watermill in Lanzhou city, one of the city's major attractions.

Waste pipes that were previously submerged under the water have also begun to surface and pollute the river.

(CRI March 12, 2007)