The Huang He River is sometimes called "China's Sorrow" because of its propensity for devastating floods. The river has a long history of overflowing its banks and causing widespread destruction and loss of life. These floods have been a recurring problem throughout Chinese history, with some of the most destructive floods occurring in the 19th and 20th centuries. The river's geographical features, including its flat and low-lying floodplain, make it prone to flooding during periods of heavy rainfall or rapid snowmelt. As a result, the Huang He River has brought both prosperity and devastation to the people who depend on it for water and irrigation.