After dreadful quake, devastating annual floods stare Sichuan province of China
3 Jul 2008, 1622 Hrs

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New Delhi, July 3 (ANI): After the dreadful earthquake on May 12 which killed more than 60,000 people, the Sichuan province of China is facing a yet another "critical situation" as the annual floods are approaching, said a senior official from the Ministry of Water Resources, in Beijing.

Jiao Yong, the country's Deputy Water Minister, reportedly told reporters that some parts of China had experienced up to 50 percent more rain this year than usual.

Sichuan is also due to get a lot wetter during its flood season, which is expected to run through this month and next, the China Daily quoted him as saying.

The problem is that the earthquake did considerable damage to the province's reservoirs and dams, which will reduce its ability to prevent floods, he said and added: "We have had to be well prepared, considering all the uncertainty we have faced this year. Repairing the reservoirs is our priority. Most of them will operate with low water levels, or even be emptied during the flood season."

Emergency plans for all 1803 water reservoirs damaged by the quake have already been drawn up, he said, adding that the ministry will closely monitor the weather situation.

According to him, 37 specialist teams comprising 3280 experts and technicians from across the country have also been working to inspect damaged reservoirs and dams. (ANI)