Burst Dams New Peril in Quake Aftermath

Flooding could hurt rescue efforts — or kill more, China warns
By Sam Gale Rosen,  Newser Staff
Posted May 14, 2008 5:46 PM CDT
Burst Dams New Peril in Quake Aftermath
A man builds a temporary shelter in a park in Dujiangyan, in China's southwest Sichuan province Wednesday May 14, 2008.   (AP Photo/Greg Baker)

Chinese authorities are warning of possible flooding and further destruction caused by bursting dams in the aftermath of Monday's catastrophic earthquake, Reuters reports. "The most dangerous problems are several reservoirs near Wenchuan," about 30 miles northwest of the ruined city of Dujiangyan, one official said. The Zipingpu dam, 6 miles upriver of Dujiangyan, has passed a safety check, state TV announced this evening. (More China stories.)

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