The Ministry of Railways has halted operation of some short-distance and minor lines to give priority to the transport of armed forces, humanitarian aid and basic necessities to quake-hit areas.

The Ministry of Railways has halted operation of some short-distance and minor lines to give priority to the transport of armed forces, humanitarian aid and basic necessities to quake-hit areas.

As of 6 o'clock Thursday morning, eighty trains loaded with relief materials had arrived in the disaster areas. Over a thousand more will be ready to roll by 6 o'clock this evening. Wednesday night, 30 helicopters were deployed for rescue missions. Helicopters are being sent to Guanghan in Sichuan from other provinces.

In all, 90 helicopters have been dispatched for reconnaissance, food and water airdrops, and transporting the injured and rescuers.

(CCTV May 16, 2008)