Special reports: Three Gorges Project
Cofferdam Demolition in Three Gorges

    BEIJING, June 9 (Xinhua) -- China's Ministry of Land and Resources urged its local counterparts to take measures against possible geological disasters in Three Gorges reservoir area.

    Local land and resources departments should have close monitoring over 1,216 selected sites in the area, said the ministry Friday in an urgent circular.

    Residents should be relocated immediately from places where geological disaster has happened and each place with potential danger should be closely monitored, it said.

    Most of China has seen more rains recently compared with previous years and geological disasters of landslide and mud-rock flow became more frequent.

    The ministry asked local departments to try their best to reduce deaths and losses.

    Projects preparing for water reserve in the area should start early and finish in time before the water level rises to 156 meters, said the ministry.

    The water level of the Three Gorges reservoir rose to 139 meters after the cofferdam was partially dismantled Tuesday. It will rise to 156 meters and then to 175 meters after the summer flood season is over. Enditem