Ministry: Communications gradually restored in quake-hit areas

Source: Xinhua | 05-13-2008 19:03

BEIJING, May 13 (Xinhua) -- Five counties in Gansu Province that suffered communications blackouts after Monday's powerful earthquake have all had their services restored, China's Ministry of Industry and Information said on Tuesday.

Telecommunications services also resumed in the worst-hit Sichuan Province except in the counties of Wenchuan, the epicenter, Maoxian, Yingxiu, Baichuan and Pingwu, according to the ministry.

The number of base stations out of service was reduced to 2,606, including 2,201 in Sichuan, 267 in Gansu and 139 in Shaanxi. Previously, a total of 4,457 base stations were out of service due to electricity blackouts.

The ministry had already sent 35 sets of emergency communications facilities, 453 sets of satellite communications facilities and more than 60 diesel generators to quake-hit areas to help restore communications.

Monday's 7.8-magnitude quake had interrupted phone networks, internet connection and telecommunications service in many affected areas due to infrastructure damages.

Editor:Xiong Qu