Xi: World's concern appreciated

President Xi Jinping expressed gratitude to the international community for their concern over, and support for, victims of a magnitude-7 earthquake that hit Ya'an, Sichuan province, on Saturday. The international community has expressed sympathy and support to the Chinese government and people, which displayed goodwill and raised the morale of the Chinese people, he said on Monday.

Rain forecast for Sichuan province

Moderate rain is expected to linger in quake-hit regions of Sichuan province over the next three days, adding to difficulties in carrying out relief work. The National Meteorological Center on Monday forecast clouds and showers in Ya'an city from Monday to Wednesday, with local temperatures ranging from 14 to 24 C.

Power supplies restored in quake area

Power supplies have been restored to areas of Sichuan province severely affected by Saturday's earthquake, said the State Grid Corp on Monday. Power supplies in Baoxing county were restored on Sunday night after those to Lushan county and nearby Tianquan county were restored in the morning, according to the emergency command center of the State Grid. The center said the quake caused a power failure in 186,600 households, but that more than 80 percent of them now have electricity.

Police deployed to improve traffic flow

Police in the quake zone have been asked to control traffic and maintain transportation to streamline rescue and relief work. Vice-Minister of Public Security Huang Ming, who arrived in the quake-hit area on Sunday, ordered the police to ensure the safety of roads leading to and from the affected area and strengthen traffic diversion programs. Huang also urged police to strengthen security checkpoints and coordinate with armed police forces.

Air force helicopters deliver supplies

The People's Liberation Army air force on Monday carried out its first airdrop in quake-hit Sichuan province, delivering food and water for thousands of homeless survivors. Loaded with bottled water, instant noodles and other food, an air force helicopter took off from Qionglai Airport for Baosheng township. The air force used a second helicopter to drop food and water to Baosheng. The weight of supplies carried by the helicopters was 2.6 tons, according to air force sources.

Makeshift toilets urgently needed

Makeshift toilets are urgently needed in Lushan county, Sichuan province, Xinhua reported. Existing toilets cannot be flushed, as running water has not been restored, triggering public health risks. It is also unsafe to use indoor toilets, as houses have sustained damage from multiple aftershocks.

China Daily - Xinhua

(China Daily 04/23/2013 page2)