Another 30,000 soldiers to join 47,000 for relief work

Source: CCTV.com | 05-15-2008 13:50

The People's Liberation Army has ordered the deployment of another 30,000 soldiers for rescue efforts in Sichuan province. They will join the over 47,000 PLA soldiers, armed police and paramilitary personnel already there.

22 military transport aircraft, 35 civilian aircraft and 18 helicopters had been dispatched as of Wednesday, and more than 12 tons of relief goods were air-dropped in quake-hit areas.

The PLA and Armed Police have established a temporary command center to direct rescue and relief operations by military personnel.

Vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission, Guo Boxiong, directed the armed forces to improve efficiency in rescue operations, and to ensure supplies of food, drinking water and medicine.

As of 3pm Wednesday, around 800 armed police personnel and over 500 army officers and soldiers had arrived in the epicenter, Wenchuan county. Rescue teams have also arrived in Yingxiu Township and Maoxian county.

Editor:Zhang Ning