In the village of Dalongtan where most residents make a living by growing fruit and vegetables, many homes have been brought down by the quake, while others could collapse at any time.

Local villager said, "There are over a thousand kilograms of grain and corn in storage upstairs. But we don't dare go up and get them."

Soldiers stationed nearby rushed to the site to build temporary shelters for villagers.

Ye Wanyong, Military Commissar Chengdu Military Command Area, said, "I've had a look through the village. The most important thing right now is getting enough tents for the people because 80 percent of the houses have been damaged."

Civil Affairs officials say traffic and heavy rain in the region are hampering relief efforts. But governments at all levels, as well as PLA troops, are working non-stop to deliver food, water and tents to severely-damaged areas.

In order to ensure the safety of their students, Panzhihua Education Department has delayed the start of the new semester by a week.

So far, there have been no reports of contaminated water or air in the city.

(CCTV September 2, 2008)