China warns of safety problems
15/05/2008 09:14  - (SA)  

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Beijing - China faces safety problems at dams and reservoirs in areas affected by this week's earthquake, the nation's Water Resources Minister said on Thursday, according to state press.

"China faces prominent problems in safety and flood prevention at reservoirs, hydropower stations, dammed lakes and other facilities in the quake zone," Xinhua news agency quoted Chen Lei as saying.

The country has also launched a public appeal for donations of thousands of shovels, hammers and other tools, saying some rescuers were sifting through debris with their bare hands.

The industry ministry issued a list of 31 types of urgently needed equipment, including hammers, shovels and cranes, the state-run Xinhua news agency said.

Some rescuers have had nothing save their own hands to break through cement slabs to find survivors of China's worst earthquake in over three decades, which has left more than 40 000 dead or under rubble, it said.

The ministry said it needed up to 50 000 units of some of the equipment listed in the appeal.

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