The Ministry of Public Security on Tuesday called on its fire brigade to expand the search range in quake-hit Sichuan province, even though the “golden 72 hours” has passed.

The ministry asked fire fighters to search in 18 quake–struck villages and towns, including Lingshan and Baoxing.

The forces are also working with the military to ensure the smooth flow of traffic in the disaster area, so that rescue teams, relief supplies and the wounded can be transported quickly.

So far, the fire brigades have pulled 165 people from the debris and 150 have survived.