On the morning of May 16, China.org.cn spoke by telephone to Zhu Yong, an information officer with Jiangsu fire brigade. He described the latest developments in the rescue efforts at Beichuan County.

China.org.cn: About 90 hours have passed since the earthquake occurred. How many people do you think you can save in Beichuan County?

Zhu: There are still many people who are very strong and we can hear faint shouting. Jiangsu fire brigade has sent 400 soldiers, organized in seven groups with each group carrying out rescue work at different sites. Right now all seven groups have located survivors and are working to free them.

China.org.cn: How do you deal with the survivors?

Zhu: The severely wounded are transferred to local hospitals and the others sent to nearby resettlement centers after their wounds have been dressed.

China.org.cn: What progress has been made since the road to Beichuan was unblocked?

Zhu: Heavy lifting gear has been brought in and this means rescue work can be carried out at a faster pace. We use different methods depending on the situation at each site.

China.org.cn: When did your brigade arrive? What have you achieved in four days' rescue work?

Zhu: The first and the third detachment of our brigade are in Beichuan, the second detachment is in Deyang. The third detachment only arrived here at 8:30 PM yesterday morning. We have been assigned to work in the outlying districts of the county. We have already saved more than 20 people. It is difficult to give an exact number because the rescue work is ongoing.

China.org.cn: Where is your detachment quartered?

Zhu: We are camped on a hillside about 20 minutes' walk from here. It is very convenient.

Heartening news

China.org.cn reporter Cheng Shengzhong sent back encouraging news from the rescue scene at 18:45, May16: To the cheers and applause of elated rescuers and onlookers, a young man was pulled unhurt from the ruins after 100 hours trapped underground.

(China.org.cn by Xiang Bin, May 17, 2008)