In Beichuan County, rescue work is in full swing. Now, how to prevent further geological disasters that could cause new damage is becoming another focus of the operation.
This is Weijiagou, one kilometer from Beichuan. Before May 19th, it served as an important base for the Beichuan rescue team. But now the team has been sent to another location.
According to some geological experts, Weijiagou is a typical mudslide trench, which was also hit by the earthquake this time.
Several landslides can be seen here. If the rescue teams and tents were pitched in front of the trench, they can be greatly threatened by the mudslides brought by rainstorms.
Mao Chunjie, Senior Engineer of Mianyang City Bureau of Land and Resources said "The tents of rescue teams should be set up at places which have good geological conditions. They shouldn't choose locations such as trenches, or under slopes. Flat ground is more favorable. And it's better to consult special departments before choosing the locations."
As the quake-hit areas are concentrated in mountainous regions, the temporary settlements are located around the hills.
The department of land and resources has set up some warning signs along the roads, and pamphlets of knowledge on mudslides have been distributed.
(CCTV May 22, 2008)
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