Relief supplies rushed to Tibet following earthquake

BEIJING - Relief supplies including clothes, food and medicine, are being taken to Tibet following the Nepal earthquake, said the Ministry of Civil Affairs here Sunday.

The central government allocated 5,000 thick tents, 30,000 cotton coats, 30,000 comforters, 15,000 foldable beds and 15,000 sleeping bags to the affected areas in Tibet. The regional government has also sent tents, coats, foods, medicines and drinking water there.

A total of 18 people were confirmed dead, four are missing and 55 were injured in Tibet, which borders Nepal.

Infrastructure in the southwestern part of Tibet was seriously affected by the Nepal quake and two lesser quakes that hit the area later. Thousands of houses collapsed and communication base stations were damaged.

The Ministry of Public Security warned on Sunday that the highway linking Xigaze, a major Tibet city, and Zham Pass, the border port to Nepal, has been cut by landslides.

The ministry urged concerned citizens not to drive there themselves to deliver relief supplies. It should be the first priority to allow professional rescue teams and supplies to reach the affected area by road, the ministry statement said.

Tourists who plan to visit this area, a popular destination, during the upcoming May Day holiday should change their itinerary.