Thousands flee as China lake bank feared broken

By John Ruwitch and Jason Li
Reuters
Saturday, May 17, 2008

BEICHUAN, China (Reuters) - Thousands of Chinese fled to the hills on Saturday amid fears a lake formed near the epicenter of this week's earthquake would burst its banks.

The water level at the lake formed after aftershocks blocked a river was rising rapidly in Beichuan and "may burst its bank at any time," the official Xinhua news agency said.

A paramilitary officer told Reuters the likelihood of the lake bursting its banks was "extremely big."

A witness said by telephone the military was evacuating everyone in Beichuan, even rescue workers. the rest

China on alert for nuclear accidents after quake

China earthquake death toll rises to 28881

China's old ways shaken by quake-LA Times