Water of the Yellow River is sluiced out in Xiaolangdi Reservoir of central China's Henan Province, June 19, 2004. The Yellow River Water Resources Committee organized the third sand washing operations on Saturday by discharging speeding currents from the massive Xiaolangdi Reservoir on the lower reaches of the river, carrying tons of sand into the sea. The operation will also relax the dangers of the "second hanging river" on the lower reaches, a new riverbed built up by silt on top of the original riverbed.

Water of the Yellow River is sluiced out in Xiaolangdi Reservoir of central China's Henan Province, June 19, 2004. The Yellow River Water Resources Committee organized the third sand washing operations on Saturday by discharging speeding currents from the massive Xiaolangdi Reservoir on the lower reaches of the river, carrying tons of sand into the sea. The operation will also relax the dangers of the "second hanging river" on the lower reaches, a new riverbed built up by silt on top of the original riverbed.

Water of the Yellow River is sluiced out in Xiaolangdi Reservoir of central China's Henan Province, June 19, 2004.

Water of the Yellow River is sluiced out in Xiaolangdi Reservoir of central China's Henan Province, June 19, 2004.

Water of the Yellow River is sluiced out in Xiaolangdi Reservoir of central China's Henan Province, June 19, 2004.