Thousands flee as China lake bank feared broken

“What we don't need now is more instant noodles”

By John Ruwitch and Jason Li

BEICHUAN, China (Reuters) - Thousands of Chinese fled to the hills on Saturday amid fears a lake formed near the epicenter of this week's earthquake would burst its banks.

The water level at the lake formed after aftershocks blocked a river was rising rapidly in Beichuan and "may burst its bank at any time", the official Xinhua news agency said.

A paramilitary officer told Reuters the likelihood of the lake bursting its banks was "extremely big".

A witness said by telephone the military was evacuating everyone in Beichuan, even rescue workers. Read more