Residents in earth surface sinking area ready to transfer

Residents in the earth surface subsidence area where the copper mine trapped 11 miners three days ago in Yangxin County, central China's Hubei Province, are ready to transfer, said sources with the county government.

Continuous heavy downpour from early Friday morning to Saturdaynight have caused mountain torrents and brook swelling in the Qifeng mountainous area of Baisha township. As a result, some parts of the earth's surface in Shangpan village, located in the Pengling mining area, sank, bringing more difficulties for the rescue work for the trapped miners and threatening safety of the local people, said Li Zhaoqiang, head of the Baisha township.

As three deep-water pumps have been installed to drain water in the main shaft of the mine Saturday morning, the subsidence of the earth's surface will worsen, said Li.

To ensure safety of the residents, an emergency team has been organized to take charge of the transfer of the residents living in the sinking area.

According to Li, head of the emergency team, 30 villagers of nine families will be moved from the sinking area.

"So far, ten tents have been arranged for the villagers," said Li.

The sudden flooding took place at 3 a.m. Wednesday at a copper mine under Pengling Mining Group Company in Baisha Town, Yangxin County, trapping 11 miners who were working 345 meters underground.

Source: Xinhua