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16:40 GMT, Tuesday, 27 May 2008 17:40 UK

In pictures: China lake evacuation

Survivors on a bus evacuate from Leigu town of Beichuan County, China

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China is racing to evacuate about 80,000 people at risk from large-scale flooding if a swelling lake formed as a result of the 12 May earthquake bursts its banks.

Landslide that has formed Tangjiashan lake, Beichuan, China (Image: Xinhua)

Landslide that has formed Tangjiashan lake, Beichuan, China (Image: Xinhua)

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Tangjiashan is the largest of dozens of lakes which have formed behind fragile mud and rubble dams after landslides triggered by the earthquake blocked rivers in the area.

Man points to Tangjiashan lake, next to city of Beichuan

Man points to Tangjiashan lake, next to city of Beichuan

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The lake is swelling next to Beichuan, one of the towns hit hardest by the earthquake. On Tuesday water levels were only 26m below the lowest part of the debris barrier, and were still rising.

Survivor evacuates with his belongings outside Beichuan town, China

Survivor evacuates with his belongings outside Beichuan town, China

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Emergency workers are aiming to complete the evacuation by midnight on Tuesday, bringing the total number of people relocated from the valley to almost 160,000.

Digging equipment is airlifted to Leigu township, Beichuan County

Digging equipment is airlifted to Leigu township, Beichuan County

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The lake is inaccessible by road. Excavators and bulldozers have been airlifted in by helicopter, while troops have trekked up mountain paths in the devastated region to reach it.

Workers carry out excavations in attempt to make Tangjiashan lake safe, Beichuan County, China

Workers carry out excavations in attempt to make Tangjiashan lake safe, Beichuan County, China

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The army has been working continuously to reduce the risks, and is aiming to create a channel through which some of the built-up water can flow out of the lake.

Earthquake survivors set up makeshift tent in city of Mianyang, China

Earthquake survivors set up makeshift tent in city of Mianyang, China

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More than 70,000 people in the city of Mianyang have already been moved, with earthquake survivors like these building makeshift shelters on higher ground.

Children who have moved to higher ground play cards in Mianyang City, Sichuan Province

Children who have moved to higher ground play cards in Mianyang City, Sichuan Province

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These children played cards by their tent as they waited for the flooding risk to wane.

Buildings partly submerged by Tangjiashan lake (Image: Xinhua)

Buildings partly submerged by Tangjiashan lake (Image: Xinhua)

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The Tangjiashan lake now holds 34 billion gallons (130 million cubic metres) of water. Much larger evacuations may be needed, with plans in place to move up to 1.3m people if necessary.

Earthquake destruction in town of Beichuan, China

Earthquake destruction in town of Beichuan, China

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Large parts of the city of Beichuan, 3km (2 miles) from the lake, already lie in ruins. An estimated 80% of buildings in the old town and 60% in the new town have been destroyed.

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