A section of China's only preserved ancient rampart in Xi'an, capital of northwest China's Shaanxi Province, was damaged by consecutive rainfalls in past 10 days.

The wall built during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) suffered some subsidence other damages at a 100-meter-long section which is in the earth and not covered with stones and bricks.

Local cultural relic workers took emergency measures Sunday to shore up the ancient fortification. Visitors were also forbidden to get close to the wall.

Xiang De, a local official in charge of cultural relic protection, said that collapse can be avoided if there is no more heavy rain in the next days.

Xi'an is one of the country's famous ancient capitals. The Ming Dynasty rampart here is the only ancient rampart that is wholly preserved in the country. The provincial government of Shaanxi has invested over 200 million yuan (over U$24 million) in the maintenance of the ancient wall since 1983.

Heavy rainfalls hit most parts of Shaanxi since the end of August and have caused extensive flooding in the province.

(Xinhua News Agency September 8, 2003)