WUHAN -- The risk of a dam breaking at a barrier lake in Central China's Hubei province has eased, local authorities said Tuesday.

A landslide blocked the Qingjiang River, a tributary of the Yangtze River, the country's longest waterway, in the city of Enshi in Enshi Tujia and Miao autonomous prefecture, forming a barrier lake that threatens nearby villages and the city further downstream, according to the flood control and drought relief headquarters of Enshi city.

Gush of water from upstream tore through the upper side of the barriers Tuesday morning, reducing the risk of a dam breach and resulting flooding of the city of Enshi.

Local authorities have been evacuating residents from near the barrier lake and downstream areas.