As the army and volunteers pour into Wenchuan County, more and more survivors are leaving the epicenter of Monday's disaster.
As the army and volunteers pour into Wenchuan County, more and more survivors are leaving the epicenter of Monday's disaster.
The Yingxiu Ferry station has been packed with quake survivors since the arrival of rescuers in Wenchuan.
Shuttling back and forth across the river are 35 army boats. They're carrying medical supplies to Wenchuan and bringing back survivors. With the help of volunteers and soldiers, thousands of quake victims have already made the journey to safety.
One volunteer said "We set out together with the troops at six o'clock on Thursday morning. We came here on foot over mountains and rivers."
One PLA officer said "We came in two groups. The first column set out from Luzhou city on Wednesday night. The other set out two hours later."
As more and more rescuers arrive at the quake center, survivors are being escorted out along the mountain paths.
One survivor said "It's still very dangerous in the quake-hit areas. The soldiers are busy saving lives over there."
Monday's earthquake paralyzed Wenchuan's transport system, triggering landslides that blocked its roads. Over the past 4 days, army soldiers have been busy clearing up the paths so that relief supplies can get through.
(CCTV May 17, 2008)