Updated June 7, 2024 at 11:00 a.m.
On this day in 1938, the Yellow River experienced a major flood during the Second Sino-Japanese War when the Chinese Nationalist government deliberately destroyed the dikes along the river to halt the advancing Japanese forces.
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Why did the Chinese intentionally flood the Yellow River?
The decision to intentionally flood the Yellow River was made by the Chinese Nationalist government as a strategic move to impede the Japanese troops' progress. By breaching the dikes, the floodwaters created natural barriers, slowing down the Japanese army and causing significant damage.
How severe was the Yellow River flood during the war?
The deliberate flooding of the Yellow River during the war resulted in a catastrophic disaster. The breach of the dikes caused widespread flooding across a vast area, affecting numerous cities, towns, and villages. It led to the displacement of millions of Chinese civilians and caused significant loss of life and property.
How did the Chinese government respond to the Yellow River flood?
The Chinese government, led by Chiang Kai-shek's Nationalist Party, initiated relief and reconstruction efforts in response to the Yellow River flood. They focused on providing aid to the affected populations, rebuilding infrastructure, and restoring agricultural land to ensure food security in the region. These efforts were challenging due to the ongoing war and resource constraints.