Special report: Reconstruction After Earthquake

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao (front L) speaks as he inspects the drainage of the Tangjiashan quake lake in southwest China's Sichuan Province on June 5, 2008. (Xinhua/Liu Weibing) Photo Gallery>>>

Chinese Premier vows "no casualty" during Tangjiashan quake lake inspection

    MIANYANG, Sichuan, June 5 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao went to oversee the safety of the Tangjiashan quake-formed lake by helicopter on Thursday afternoon.

    "Now it's a critical moment for the Tangjiashan quake lake, and the most important thing is to ensure there is no casualty of the people," Wen said.

    Wen inquired about the water level and future rainfalls. "The lake condition is even more complicated than expected, but we must remove the hidden threat as soon as possible, because many evacuees are still living inside tents. It's very hot. There may be more difficulties as time goes."

    "It's our obligation to protect the people's safety. As long as the Tangjiashan quake lake still poses a threat, our task is not over," Wen said.

    He urged the troops to devote themselves to coping with new challenges.  Full story

Flood warning issued as China's main "quake lake"nears drainage point

    MIANYANG, Sichuan, June 5 (Xinhua) -- The possibility of flooding from the Tangjiashan "quake lake," caused by China's May 12 earthquake, increased Thursday even as water levels rose steadily to the point where engineers believe they may be able to open a drainage sluice.

    The water level at Tangjiashan Lake in Beichuan County, Mianyang City, southwestern Sichuan Province, had risen to 738.81 meters by 5 p.m. on Thursday, 0.9 meters higher than that of 5 p.m. Wednesday. It was still 1.19 meters below the drainage sluice, according to the lake control headquarters.   Full story