The Yellow River flood was a three-part flood that occurred in 1887, 1931, and 1938; collectively, the disaster claimed approximately two million lives and left 80 million families homeless. The first flooding occurred on September 28, 1887, and between 1 to 2 million people died.

The most destructive was the one of August 1931. It covered 42,000 square miles, 34,000 of which were covered entirely, while 8000 square miles were partially submerged.

Fun Facts

• The Yellow River is the longest in China, measuring 3,395 miles (5,464 kilometers).
• The Yellow River gets its name from the surrounding regions where it collects yellow sediments.
• After the Yellow River flood, China began the flood control program, and since 1945, there has never been another flood like that one.
• Westerners dubbed the Yellow River "China's sorrow" owing to the destruction caused by the floods.
• In four millennia, the Yellow River has flooded 1593 times.
• Before the 1887 flood, the Yellow River banked over 23 meters higher than the surrounding region; when it broke its banks, the damage was insurmountable.