Diversion work continues in Tangjiashan lake despite heavy rain -- china.org.cn

In Tangjiashan, diversion efforts have faced heavy rain for the first time since emergency work began. But hundreds of engineers and soldiers are still working round the clock to ease the potential threat.

The aerial photo taken on May 28, 2008 shows the working site of the Tangjiashan quake lake near Beichuan County in southwest China's Sichuan Province. The earthquake-induced lake is at risk of bursting and threatening thousands of people downstream. Some 30 excavators are working non-stop to dig a diversion channel to drain the lake, which is expected to be completed within 5 to 7 days if weather permits. A large number of residents in Mianyang City are prepared to be evacuated from their homes. (Xinhua/Li Gang)

It started to rain in the area of the Tangjiashan barrier lake last night. But the bad weather isn't stopping the soldiers' operations.

Workers have dug 300 meters of a 50-meter wide drainage channel, and they continue to dig. As of 7 am Thursday, a total of 57,500 cubic meters of debris had been removed.

Liu Ning, Chief Engineer said "Nearly 20,000 cubic meters of debris had been removed from Wednesday afternoon to Thursday morning. This is the highest in the past few days. "

After 24-hour non-stop operations, some equipment has been damaged. Transport helicopters have been grounded, unable to deliver heavy machinery, and a shortage of fuel is also hindering progress.

One thousand soldiers are standing by to deliver fuel on foot. By Thursday afternoon, 48 tons of fuel has been taken to the site.

As of 6 pm Wednesday, the water level of the Tangjiashan barrier lake had reached 729 meters, up nearly four meters from Monday. Experts say rising water levels could force evacuation, if the diversion channel could not be finished until June 5th.

Under threat are 60,000 people from nearly 9 towns in Beichuan county. Over 900 people have been evacuated and 490 tons of relief materials have been sent to the areas by helicopter. Local officials have planned an emergency evacuation for local residents.

(CCTV May 30, 2008)