China: Quakes results in formation of 21 lakes

Beijing, May 19: Massive landslides resulting from the strong earthquake of 7.8 magnitude last Monday in southwest China, have led to the formation of at least 21 lakes in various cities after land blocked the rivers flow. Water has been flowing over some of these blockages in Qingchuan county, but posed no danger.

Expert teams, comprising of at least two water conservancy specialists and 10 People's Liberation Army personnel, have been deployed at each of these newly formed lakes to monitor the situation and evacuate the residents in case of any danger. "Preliminary monitoring stations have been set up near each lake," the China Daily quoted Sichuan vice-Governor Li Chengyun as telling media persons.

The government will evacuate people in the downstream areas of the lakes as soon as situation warrants, Li added.

The landslide blockages have been reported in Beichuan and Anxian counties in the city of Mianyang, Qingchuan county of Guangyuan, Mianzhu and Shifang cities of Deyang, and Pengzhou city near the provincial capital Chengdu.

The three lakes had more than 10 million cu m of water, and more than 20 million cu m of rocks slid into rivers after the quake and formed the lakes said an official with the headquarters for quake relief in Qingchuan.

Seven more landslide blockages were found in Beichuan county, about 160 km from the epicenter, Wenchuan.

ANI