Water Level of This Huge Lake Rises One Centimeter Every Hour - 2002-08-24

In China, over one million people have been mobilized to reinforce the dams surrounding a flooded lake. This lake has been likened to a water-filled balloon that could burst at any moment. Water from the overflowing Yangtze River is pouring into Dongting Lake in central China, which has already inundated several surrounding towns. The flood level in the lake is expected to reach its highest point on Sunday. At least 270,000 people have been evacuated from Hunan Province. At least sixteen people have died in that province, and twenty-seven thousand homes have been destroyed under flood pressure. Approximately ten million people live around Dongting Lake, and according to the Beijing-based newspaper 'China Daily', the flood has already affected over eight million others. The latest news from China indicates that a flood control team consisting of one million farmers, soldiers, and militia members is working around the clock to prevent the overflow of Dongting Lake in Hunan Province and to stop the water from spilling into the surrounding areas. Reports from central China indicate that the water level of this huge lake rises one centimeter every hour. Water from the Yangtze River and four other rivers continuously flows into the lake. Predictions suggest that the Yangtze River's flood will reach Dongting Lake on Sunday. Rescuers are working to seal points along the lake's shore that may allow water to spill out. If the dam system surrounding the lake fails, the homes of nearly 10 million nearby residents will be at risk.