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| Residents are ferried by a boat in landslide-hit Zhouqu County, Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in northwest China's Gansu Province, Aug. 16, 2010. Large-scaled ponding area still remained in the county although the flood has subsidised. (Xinhua/Nie Jianjiang) |
ZHOUQU, Gansu, Aug. 16 (Xinhua) -- A new round of rains started to pound the mudslide-flattened Chinese town of Zhouqu Monday night, which has increased the possibilities of new mudslides occurring.
The weather bureau in the Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in northwest China's Gansu Province, which administers Zhouqu County, issued a rainstorm warning Monday night, warning about the likelihood of new geological disasters.
Rains started pounding Zhouqu at around 10 p.m., which, according to Gansu's provincial weather bureau, could last for five days and precipitation in some regions may reach 60 to 80 mm.
The massive landslide on August 8 killed 1,254 people as of 4 p.m.Monday, with 490 still missing.
Meanwhile, rescue headquarters in Zhouqu has started implementing a disaster prevention contingency plan, which was drawn up on August 11.
The plan asks rescue teams and residents alike to move out of mudslide-prone areas if heavy rainfalls pelt the region.
According to the plan, tents built in these areas should be removed immediately. Also, cars are not allowed to park in these areas.
Related:
China mourns mudslide victims as relief operation continues
ZHOUQU, Gansu, Aug. 15 (Xinhua) -- Amid sirens and blaring horns, people across China Sunday stood in tribute to victims of a massive mudslide in a remote northwest town.
Chinese leaders, students, workers and members of the public paused for three minutes from 10 a.m. Sunday, a week after the devastating mudslide hit Zhouqu County, in Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Gansu Province. Full story
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