Quake-hit Lushan warned against secondary disasters

Local authorities in the quake-stricken region of Lushan in Sichuan were warned on Monday to prepare for possible secondary disasters, with thunder and rainfall forecast to linger in the area.

A forecast from the China Meteorological Administration said Lushan will have moderate rainfall of about 10 millimeters to 15 mm on Tuesday and mild rainfall on Wednesday.

Local authorities should strengthen supervision against geological disasters, it said. Thunder is also predicted within the next three days, the weather report said.

The Ministry of Land and Resources warned local people and rescuers to avoid possible geological disasters triggered by the rainfall, such as mudslides near roads.

Along with Lushan, most parts of southern and western China, including Chongqing, Guizhou and Hunan, will experience heavy rainfall before Wednesday, the administration said.

It also said temperatures of up to 30 C experienced in North China since Sunday will drop a little after Wednesday, with rain forecast.