Chinese geologists warn dam sits on active fault

4 min read

Chinese state-backed researchers have reported that the Paizhen Fault runs through the site of the massive Yarlung Tsangpo hydropower project in Tibet, a reservoir area where terrain is described as loose and weakly cohesive. The study, supervised by the China Geological Survey, says the fault has been active since the Pleistocene with evidence of activity as recently as 9,500 years ago and cites the 2017 magnitude 6.9 Milin earthquake as a relevant event. Researchers warn of heightened landslide, collapse and seismic risks and recommend structural safeguards, while the findings heighten downstream concerns in India and Bangladesh about water and infrastructure impacts.

State-backed study finds active fault under major dam project