Environment

CHINA: Ministry says 69 dams in danger of bursting

by Barry ORegan | May 25, 2008 at 06:34 am

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Opinion
Barry Artiste, Now Public Contributor

What with an Earthquake, Torrential Rains, Radiation, hitting China full force it must seem to Chinese Citizens the coming of the Apocalypse. A new twist perhaps in that they can be called the "4 Environmental Horsemen of the Apocalype" who seem to be sticking around China waiting for their 4th Sibling to ride into town and make an appearance.

No one knows who the 4 Horseman is, but considering China has been hit by all sides, the "4th Horsemen" may be "Disease", and that is a safe bet.

Ministry says 69 dams in danger of bursting
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

CHENGDU, China - Nearly 70 dams scarred by the force of China's most powerful earthquake in three decades were in danger of bursting, the government said Sunday, while looming rains added to worries about relief efforts for millions of homeless survivors.The government had earlier said some 391 dams had been affected by the quake, mostly small structures.

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PEP

flagged this story as Good Stuff

at 06:49 on May 25th, 2008

Barry Artiste, I like this story. It's good stuff.

Barry ORegan

at 07:48 on May 25th, 2008

Thanks Pep, much appreciated for the comments and GS.

Certainly China is getting hammered by everything Mother Nature can throw at it.

One issue I forgot to mention is China's Lax Environmental Laws, this may compound rescue efforts, especially in industries and labs where toxic biological and chemicals may be unknown as I am sure they have never heard of a Chemical or Biological Hygiene Plan, sort of a inventory list of what is in there and where. Now it seems it looks like in the case of radiation found in many sites a Environmental Russian Roulette in a Dangerous "Search and Secure" effort.

cynthia yoo

at 08:14 on May 25th, 2008

Thanks for the update, Barry. The BBC reports that the region also faces the prospect of heavy rain and apparently there have been 8000 aftershocks(!) since the 5.12 quake.

Barry ORegan

at 08:49 on May 25th, 2008

Your welcome Cynthia. I sat in stunned silence when reading the Chinese dailies and what is going on over there. Even now I do not believe it, if I were retired, I would go help in a Hollywood minute. As well as Peps story about over a 100 Tornadoes hitting Kansas makes one wonder if Mother Nature is finally pissed at us and had enough.