Race against the clock

The quake lake in Tangjiashan, the largest of the 35 lakes formed after the May 12 earthquake, threatens to cause another catastrophe. It is hoped that a controlled collapse of the dam will take place once water starts flowing through a channel dug by soldiers and police.

The lake:

Amount of water 210m cubic metres

Catchment area 3,350 sq km

Water level 738.8 metres

The dam