China is amassing additional military resources to assist with the rescue operation needed after the earthquake that hit the country on May 12^th.

30,000 more troops, as well as 90 extra helicopters, will be involved in the mission.

Already, nearly 50,000 troops and police are involved, together with around 10,000 medical workers.

Sichuan Province

According to China’s state media, the earthquake’s effects have been felt by approximately 10 million people living in the province of Sichuan, and nearly 15,000 people have lost their lives.

The additional troops will pass supplies around, and assist with freeing any more survivors who are still trapped. They will also provide those now without a home with water, food and medical aid.

Chinese Air Force, Army

According to Xinhua news agency, airborne elements of the Chinese air force (People’s Liberation Army Air Force) and Chinese army have been participating in the operation since the outset, along with non-military aircraft.

Isolated, hard-to-reach areas of Sichuan have been parachuted into and, so far, contact has been made - and rescue attempts begun - in all counties affected by the quake.

Some sources have spoken of how, as more time passes, so the chance of locating and rescuing survivors is becoming dimmer and less attainable.

Despite this, Gao Qiang, China’s Vice Health Minister, stated: "We will make out utmost effort when there is only a glimmer of hope and we will never give up."

Supply Drops

China’s armed forces propose to carry out large-scale supply drops from the air into locations such as Wenchuan and Beichuan – two of the most devastated areas.

"We must use all our forces, and save lives at whatever costs”, Wen Jiabao, China’s Prime Minister, said, adding: "Life is the most precious thing." 

The Olympic torch relay is currently progressing through China. Those behind the game’s organisation have pledged to carry out a minute’s silence at each stage.

Source – Armed Forces International’s Far East Correspondent

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