"This was a typical natural disaster due to the heavy rain and its landform vulnerable to geological disasters. Fortunately, the proper predictions and warnings have helped evacuate local residents in a timely manner," said Pan Wei, a senior engineer with the China Geological Survey.

According to the provincial geological bureau, the landside area shaped like a tongue, was about 1,200 meters long and between 320 to 580 meters wide by Tuesday, and it is still deforming.

Su Yong, mayor of Enshi, said that the government had decided to open two water reservoirs along the tributary to prevent the barrier lake from overflowing and threatening villagers in the lower reaches.

"The reservoir upstream is discharging water, which has helped gradually break the barrier and reduce risks of flash floods," he said. "The other reservoir down the lake is releasing water to make room for floods that may run down from the barrier lake."