(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-06-06 09:27

MIANYANG, Sichuan -- Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao went to oversee the safety of the Tangjiashan quake-formed lake by helicopter on Thursday afternoon.

"Now it's a critical moment for the Tangjiashan quake lake, and the most important thing is to ensure there is no casualty of the people," Wen said.

Wen inquired about the water level and future rainfalls. "The lake condition is even more complicated than expected, but we must remove the hidden threat as soon as possible, because many evacuees are still living inside tents. It's very hot. There may be more difficulties as time goes."

"It's our obligation to protect the people's safety. As long as the Tangjiashan quake lake still poses a threat, our task is not over," Wen said.

He urged the troops to devote themselves to coping with new challenges.

After days of continuous work, soldiers and technicians have dug out a 400-meter-plus channel to drain the water in the quake lake. And more than 200,000 people downriver have been relocated.

Wen also visited the Russian aircrew who joined local forces in the fight against the quake lake, expressing appreciation for them and the Russian government and people as well.

He arrived in Mianyang of southwest China's quake-hit Sichuan Province Thursday afternoon and immediately boarded a helicopter to Tangjiashan.

It's the third time for the premier to visit the earthquake areas since May 12.

The possibility of the Tangjiashan "quake lake" bursting increased on Thursday as water levels rose steadily.

A headquarters spokesman warned late on Wednesday that the chances of bursting were increasing due to uncertainties, including aftershocks, rain on the upper reaches and the instability of the mud and rock dam.

The May 12 quake triggered massive landslides in Sichuan, blocking the flow of rivers and creating more than 30 unstable "quake-formed lakes" that threaten millions of people downstream.

The 8.0-magnitude quake centered on Wenchuan County, about 100 km southwest of Beichuan, has left more than 69,000 people dead, about 18,000 missing and millions homeless. More than 10,000 aftershocks have been reported since May 12.