Premier Wen holds meeting on safety operations of Tangjiashan lake

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Source: CCTV.com | 06-06-2008 13:29

The water level has almost reached the lowest point of the drainage sluice at the Tangjiashan barrier lake. Premier Wen Jiabao held an emergency meeting at the lake control headquarters to discuss safety operations.

Premier Wen Jiabao held an emergency meeting at the lake control headquarters to discuss safety operations.

The water level at Tangjiashan lake had risen to only 0.6 meters below the sluice as of 8 am on Friday. More than a quarter of a million people in low-lying areas have been relocated under a plan based on the assumption that a third of the lake volume would breach its banks.

After inquiring about the water level and the possibility of more rain, Wen said the lake situation is more complicated than expected, and the top priority is to avoid any casualties. He urged the troops to do their utmost to overcome the challenges.

A spokesman for the lake control headquarters warned that the chances of bursting are increasing due to uncertainties including aftershocks, rain on the upper reaches and the instability of the mud and rock dam. It remains unclear when the draining operation for the lake will start.

Editor:Xiong Qu