(chinadaily.com.cn)
Updated: 2008-05-16 06:47

In the early morning of May 16, a professional search and rescue team from Japan has entered Sichuan Province, and entered the quake-hit areas. And rescuers from Russia, South Korea and Singapore are also expected to arrive soon.

Rescuers have been struggling to reach all quake-hit areas, battling landslides, buckled roads, collapsed bridges and wet weather.

A Japanese rescue team arrives at the Beijing Capital International Airport in Beijing May 15, 2008. The team has entered earthquake-hit Sichuan Province in the early morning of May 16 to take part in relief efforts. [Xinhua]

As of 8 am on Thursday, more than 130,000 troops were engaged in rescue operations in areas ravaged by the quake - and they had reached all 58 counties and towns stricken by the massive quake.

The newly opened road - part of a national highway from Nagqu in Tibet to Chengdu - ensures faster delivery of disaster relief materials to the epicenter of Wenchuan, the first time after it was blocked by landslides when the quake struck on Monday.

Premier Wen Jiabao went to Qingchuan county on Thursday, near the badly-hit Beichuan county, by boat to oversee rescue work.

He told disaster relief personnel including firemen and medics that "the Party and the country thank you and the people need you".

Wen encouraged residents to "rise from sorrow, help each other and rebuild homes".

He said that government will make the utmost efforts to help the victims. "See, a large number of soldiers are coming. Food, water and tents will also come soon."

Experts said the rescue window was getting smaller.

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