Beichuan County Dangerous After Quake

WONG:
The after-effects of China's May 12 earthquake are still being felt in one region. A deadly mudslide in September and threats from other earthquake-related problems make Beichuan County one of China's most dangerous places to live.

STORY:
Beichuan is a county of about 160,000 nestled in the mountains of China's Sichuan Province. It was one the most severely-hit regions during the earthquake back in May, with as many of 80% of its buildings collapsing.

Landslides from the quake changed the course of a river and created an artificial lake. The change in geography paved the way for the severe floods and mudslides that submerged much of Beichuan after heavy rains on September 24.

We spoke with Tan Zuoren, an environmental expert in Sichuan.

[Tan Zuoren, Sichuan Environmental Expert]:
"Debris has accumulated in the Tangjiashan Quake Lake... During heavy rains the water level will increase, and it could cause floods, landslides, and mud flow."

Mr. Tan says victims living in the affected areas are concerned about their safety, because another disaster could happen at any time.

[Tan Zuoren, Sichuan Environmental Expert]:
"They are scared to see the mountain in its current state. The victims of the most severe disaster areas should be moved to safe locations, at least until the there is no more geological activity."

A resident of Beichuan surnamed Dong, tells us there's so much debris from the recent mudslides that people can't even repair their damaged homes.

[Mr. Dong, Beichuan Resident]:
"The tents we built ourselves are pretty bad, and this place is very wet. The food on the ground is wet, too. We have no solution to this situation. [Even] the roads are inaccessible."

Internet users reported that over 1,000 Beichuan residents died from the September mudslides, although local authorities and media covered up the death toll. The mountains and lakes in the region are still unstable, and pose a potential future threat to residents.

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