Further update on situation in Sichuan

The China Daily has today published an article that describes the situation around Beichuan as a result of the current heavy rains. The article is here. The situation is sounding increasingly dangerous. For example:

"As a result of heavy rains and incessant mudslides, the plan to rebuild quake-devastated Beichuan county in northern Sichuan province as an earthquake museum has been put on hold, a local official said."

"A large part of the county is now buried under the mudslides caused by unprecedented downpour since last Wednesday."

"Beichuan ... consists of an old town in the southwest and a new town in the northeast. Half of the old town has already been buried by mudslides. Only two roofs could be seen in the 1 sq km area. In some places, the mud is even more than 40 m deep."

"As if the mudslides were not enough, there's a looming threat of floods as the mudslides from mountains have blocked the upper reaches of the river, Lin said" [Lin Chuan is the head of local culture and tourist bureau].