Chinese authorities are beginning to increase the numbers of helicopters in an effort to reach areas so far cut off from rescue workers. On Wednesday up to 19 helicopters had been deployed to drop supplies into many areas including the epicentre at Wenchuan. Today Premier Wen ordered a further 90 helicopters to be deployed in order to assist in the rescue effort [Xinhua]. On CCTV-9 one expert suggested that China should seek assistance from other countries. Helicopters are invaluable in disasters such as this especially where regular transport links have been destroyed or remain impassable. Col Feng Fuhai, of the Chinese Air Force, said that helicopters can carry up to 3 tonnes of equipment and provided essential help to the disaster stricken area.
The death toll has now exceeded 19,500 and state authorities say the numbers may rise above 50,000 [BBC / Sky News / CNN / Xinhua]. The area affected by the earthquake is vast stretching hundreds of kilometres and the task confronting the relief workers is staggering. But despite the best efforts of the People’s Liberation Army many areas have still not been reached and there exists frustration on the ground that rescuers have not arrived. More than150,000 troops have been sent to areas hit by the earthquake and 20 transport planes have help send in food supplies and equipment. Many people remain homeless following the 7.8 magnitude earthquake and thousands of residents are living in makeshift tents. CCTV, the Chinese state broadcaster has provided unprecedented coverage of the disaster. The openness of the media has surprised many, not only in the West but also in China. The disaster has brought many Chinese together and some have organised to help take help and supplies to the grief stricken areas. However, the help from ordinary people has only complicated the situation on the ground with food supplies and shelter.
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