State grain reserves in quake-hit regions of China remain intact despite some damage to granaries, said the China Grain Reserves Corporation on Wednesday.
The State-owned company, which manages the reserves, said no losses of grain and no casualties were reported at its depots in Sichuan and Gansu provinces and Chongqing Municipality, which were stricken by a 7.8-magnitude jolt on Monday.
The company said roof beam ruptures, cracks on walls and distorted insulating layers were reported at some warehouses under the jurisdiction of its Chengdu branch, which covers Sichuan, Chongqing and Tibet Autonomous Region.
Similar problems occurred at depots under the Lanzhou branch that manages grain reserves in Gansu and Qinghai provinces, but with no loss of grain.
The company was told on Tuesday by the State Administration of Grain to prepare to distribute reserves to ensure supplies for disaster-hit regions.
The National Development and Reform Commission, China's top economic planner, said on Tuesday local governments must sternly crack down on profiteering from the earthquake.
It ordered stronger monitoring of prices in affected areas, saying local governments could employ temporary price interventions.
China had 150 million to 200 million tons of grains in reserve, Premier Wen Jiabao said in March.
(Xinhua News Agency May 15, 2008)