WUHAN - Several sections of the drought-stricken Yangtze River, China's longest waterway, may pose dangers for shipping traffic, according to authorities.

Relevant government units have been asked to strengthen traffic management in the river and ensure safety on the key route, according to the Changjiang Maritime Safety Administration.

The water level of the the Yangtze River has been sharply reduced since February of this year, with its middle reaches decreasing to levels not seen in fifty years. In addition, water levels near the river's Three Gorges Dam are at five-year lows.

Maritime safety bureaus in the cities of Chongqing, Wuhan and Huangshi have issued alarms and aided ships that have ran aground over the past three days.