PLA soldiers and armed police are making their way to Wenchuan, the earthquake epicenter, through a newly-opened short-cut.

PLA soldiers and armed police are making their way to Wenchuan, the earthquake epicenter, through a newly-opened short-cut.

More than 200 PLA soldiers left Zipingpu Reservoir by powerboat. They arrived at Yingxiu township and another 400 are expected to arrive before dark.

The soldiers and locals set up this simple dock. Rescue teams and relief goods are being sent from here by powerboats to Wenchuan.

Troops using this new route are supplementing the road team. A landslide blocked the regular road, but the army is trying to make their way through. The soldiers cover the new route in two stages: by water from Zipingpu Reservoir to Yingxiu, then on foot from Yingxiu to Wenchuan.

Local resident said "The waterway makes a detour around the landslide area. This can save time, and reach Wenchuan much faster."

After 40 minutes, the rescue team will march 60 kilometers to Wenchuan, saving four hours.

One senior officer said "The rescue team has prepared enough equipment, including an excavator, bulldozers, cranes, folklifts and welding machines. And the local people and soldiers have also prepared a batch of simple, light instruments, including baskets and sticks."

The rescue team from the Chengdu Military Area Command is now on its way to Wenchuan from Yingxiu.

(CCTV May 15, 2008)