Secondary disaster threatens quake zone

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Source: CCTV.com | 07-01-2008 17:03

As the flood season gets closer, the quake zone in Sichuan is confronted with rain-triggered disasters. Officials say communication lines are among the most exposed.

In many places, the rescue workers have set up backup cables as a precautionary measure.

Recent quakes in Sichuan have severely destroyed the province's communication facilities. Officials say more than a month of rescue efforts has restored most of them. But heavy rainfall forecast for July and August could cause more landslides and mud flows, further endangering the already fragile communication facilities.

Chen Yingwei, director of Mianyang Department, China Mobile, said, "Rocks and debris hit many parts of the optical fiber cables. More rainfall could affect communication signals."

According to China Mobile, recent quakes have destroyed about 290 of its base stations, causing economic losses of up to 250 million yuan. The company expects more damages to their facilities during the flood season. In many places, the rescue workers have set up backup cables as a precautionary measure.

Editor:Zhang Ning