YANGTZE RIVER DROUGHT EXPOSES BUDDHIST STATUES THAT WAS SUBMERGED FOR 600 YEARS
The fact that the planet is becoming hotter is no secret. Drought is one of the many adverse effects of climate change. Some areas have experienced exceptionally dry summers in 2022. Long-hidden historical and archaeological riches are coming to light as river and reservoir waters recede. These include three 600-year-old Buddhist statues that were once submerged on the island reef of Foyeliang in the Yangtze River, close to the Chinese city of Chongqing.
Sometime during the Ming and Qing eras, the island reef was built. A monk is shown serenely meditating on a lotus petal in one of the three statues. In Buddhism, lotuses are significant symbols. The path to spiritual awakening or enlightenment is symbolised by these water-growing plants.
The beautiful, meandering Yangtze River had long covered these wonderful monuments. However, 66 rivers in Chongqing have dried up since July due to a 45% decrease in rainfall in the Yangtze basin. With temperatures rising to 104°F, the Yangtze's water level has dropped quickly. The drought in China is the worst it has ever been. Unseen sights like buried World War II ships and other surprises continue to surface as global temperatures continue to increase and rainfall remains scarce.