Chinese Rescue Workers Fight to Save Thousands Buried in Massive Quake
By VOA News
13 May 2008
Chinese rescue workers are struggling to save the lives of thousands buried under collapsed buildings and schools across southwestern China's Sichuan province.
Official figures indicate Monday's 7.9 magnitude earthquake has left more than 12,000 people dead and the toll is expected to rise.
The first rescue and relief troops arrived Tuesday, at the epicenter of the quake in Wenchuan county, home to more than 100,000 people. An initial report from the official Xinhua news agency says a large number of people remain buried there.
Access to several of the major disaster areas is difficult if not impossible and information about the damage and casualties has been difficult to obtain.
Xinhua reports that slightly more than 12,000 people have been killed, 9,404 buried and nearly 8,000 missing. However, a separate report by Xinhua says more than 18,000 people were buried in the city of Mianyang alone.
More than 50,000 troops have been sent to assist with relief work in quake-affected areas, but China has said conditions are not right for international teams to come in and help.
The United States says it will contribute $500,000 to China in earthquake relief aid.
U.S. President George Bush spoke with Chinese President Hu Jintao Tuesday about the earthquake. Mr. Bush voiced his deep concern about the quake and said the United States was willing to provide any needed help.
Tibet's exiled spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, also issued a statement Tuesday expressing his deep sadness and offering his prayers for those who died and were injured during the quake.
Some information for this report was provided by AFP, AP and Reuters.
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