Monastery Submerged by Rising Waters After Dam Construction in Central China

Rising waters from a new dam in Qinghai province have submerged the area where the 135-year-old Atsok Monastery once stood, according to experts cited by Radio Free Asia. The monastery, demolished earlier this year for the Yangqu hydropower station expansion, along with nearby villages, is now underwater. Tibetans criticize the dam, claiming it disregards their culture and environment. Satellite images show the complete submersion of the site and rising water threatening more farmlands. The dam is expected to generate 5 billion kilowatts annually, displacing over 15,500 Tibetans.