Strong Aftershock Strikes Central China
中国四川强烈余震造成更多伤亡

Central China has been struck by a powerful aftershock as the region struggles to recover from a massive earthquake earlier this month that killed tens of thousands of people and left many more homeless. Latest shock killed at least one person in Sichuan province and injured about 260.

遭受大地震的中国中部地区发生强烈余震，与此同时，该地区正在努力从大地震中恢复过来。这个月早些时候发生的地震造成几万人死亡，还有更多的人无家可归。

The U.S. Geological Survey says Sunday's aftershock registered 5.8 points on the Richter scale, making it one of the strongest aftershocks since the May 12 earthquake that devastated China's Sichuan province.

美国地质勘探局说，星期天发生的余震为里氏5.8级，这是自中国四川省5月12日发生大地震以来所发生的最强余震之一。

Initial reports say the aftershock caused more deaths and injuries, and led to further damage to homes, buildings, and roads. In addition, China's Vice Minister of Water Resources says scores of dams that were damaged in the initial quake are now in danger of collapse.

最初的报导说，余震造成更多的人员伤亡，并导致房屋、楼房和道路受到进一步的损毁。除此之外，中国水利部副部长鄂竟平说，在第一次地震中受损的许多水坝目前都有崩塌的危险。

The minister says 69 dams are currently in danger of breaking, but have not broken yet.

他说：“有69座水库现在面临的是溃坝的风险，就是有溃坝的危险。”

The aftershock, centered near the devastated city of Mianyang, was felt across the country. As far away as Beijing, buildings are reported to have swayed.

这次余震的震中在遭地震破坏的绵阳市附近，中国全国都有震感。据报导说，远在北京的楼房都出现了晃动。

The death toll from the initial quake has been rising precipitously, and Chinese officials say the final tally could exceed 80,000.

5月12日大地震造成的死亡人数在迅速上升，中国官员们说，最终的统计数字可能会超过8万人。

Adding to the misery are forecasts for more heavy rains in Sichuan province in coming days, heightening the strain on dams and increasing the risk of flooding and mudslides.

天气预报说，未来几天四川省将再降大雨，这将给水库大坝造成更大压力，从而会增加发生洪水和泥石流的危险。

China has dispatched soldiers armed with explosives to a blocked river in hopes of clearing debris and alleviating the potential for flooding.

中国把携带炸药的军人派遣到一条堵塞的河流，希望用爆炸来清理河道淤积，减缓发生洪水的可能。