Flood prevention at crucial stage in Sichuan

Flood prevention is at a critical stage in Sichuan, with heavy rains expected next month. Officials in quake-hit regions say they're focusing on efforts to repair damaged water conservation facilities.

PLA soldiers and construction workers are racing against time to complete repairs before the rainy season in July. About a fifth of nearly 2,000 reservoirs damaged in the earthquake have collapsed or are close to it. The weakened dams are threatening residents living downstream.

Workers say they are trying to ensure that flood waters do as little damage as possible to reservoirs, hydroelectric stations, dams and barrier lakes.