Qingchuan is one of the worst quake-hit counties in Sichuan Province. As Zeng Siwei explains, transportation remains a challenge to rescue operations there.
Piles of rubble blocking the road remain despite several attempts by rescuers to clear the way. Frequent mudslides since the quake have added to the difficulty for vehicles trying to navigate this rugged road.(CCTV.com)
There's only one road leading through the mountains to Qingchuan in Sichuan province, and it didn't escape the damage caused by Monday's powerful earthquake. Piles of rubble blocking the road remain despite several attempts by rescuers to clear the way. Frequent mudslides since the quake have added to the difficulty for vehicles trying to navigate this rugged road.
Qingchuan is an underdeveloped and remote county, the farthest away of all the quake-stricken areas from the provincial capital, Chengdu. The scope of the disaster there has only just become known to the outside world. Relief workers still need to make emergency repairs on the county's water, electricity, transportation and communications facilities. And what's more, a large number of injured people are waiting to be treated. More relief supplies are needed as well, as rescuers struggle to transport essentials into Qingchuan. A number of residents from outside the county are voluntarily joining in the relief work, but poor road conditions are preventing large vehicles from getting into the area. Experts are asking volunteers not to transport relief materials by private cars for the sake of easing the flow of traffic on the damaged road.
(CCTV May 18, 2008)