Search for survivors continues at epicenter
The closer we get to the epicenter, the more damaged houses we can see. The road on the outskirts of the town is damaged and trucks carrying relief supplies can go no further. Soldiers and relief workers have to carry the food the rest of the way to the survivors.
The search for survivors is still the first priority, Xinhua reports.
"We have used life detectors and sniffer dogs to search for survivors. We've found no sign of life. But according to the villagers, about 7 people were buried by the debris," said fire brigade chief of staff Yang Tianjun.
Most of the houses were destroyed like this, firefighters and other rescue staff are sparing no efforts to search for possible survivors. Those families say they won't give up as long as there is hope.
Families are waiting anxiously, Doctors and nurses are there to provide first aid. After several hours careful digging, two bodies are found: a mother covering her child. But it's too late.
"Because the houses collapsed, there is very little space. We couldn't remove the debris by hand. With the help of digging machines, our teams have to work in turn to dig for the victims. We have found two. Another five are still buried. We'll find them, no matter what," said Yang.
Villagers say dozens of people are still buried in the rubble. The search for them continues, in the hope that some may still be alive.
