Link to a map of the area:
This looks like a VERY substantial dam - approximately 2000 feet across at the top. Roughly the size of the Teton Dam, which collapsed in Idaho in 1976. Only there appear to be a LOT more people in the direct path.
If you scan SW, downriver from the dam, there is a city I would guess that would have at least on the order of 10-30,000 residents (no idea, just guessing from the area of the city). If you look at the terrain map, you will see that there is nowhere for any water to go other than to go through the city... it will not spread before reaching that town, if the dam does collapse.
This is NOT pretty.... I’m glad to see that the Chinese Army does seem to be throwing manpower at it - I just pray they’re evacuating people....
I recall a Nat Geo special on that damn that engineers were concerned that the massive water weight backed up by that damn could cause earthquakes in the area, however I haven't seen a sniff of a report that it may be related.
Makes me wonder if a CYA operation is in effect.
That being said, I agree that the chinese government is pathetic where human rights are concerned but I sympathise with the people who are put in danger by that government.
That is the Zipingpu dam that was only recently completed in 2006, it is unfortunately almost exactly on top (about 10 miles away) from the epicenter of the earthquake. The power station of the dam had been leveled though the dam is still intact. Spillways have already been opened and the reservoir behind the dam is being drained to relieve pressure on the dam.
This dam was somewhat contraversial to begin with because some complained about the lack of environmental impact studies and the fact that it was on top an earthquake prone area. The naysayers were right to be skeptical in that an earthquake did happen, but was apparently built sturdy enough to weather 7.9 magntitude earthquake at it’s epicenter without collapsing. It’s been two and a half days since the primary tremor and if it has survived it and multiple 6.0+ aftershocks then there is hope that the reservoir can be drained and repairs made so as to prevent another catastrophe.
Thank you for that link. The full scope of the danger didn’t hit me until I panned farther out and saw the body of water behind that dam. There will be nothing left below if it does break. The thought of the loss of life is staggering. There but for the Grace of Almighty God, go we.
Regards, TL