A train left quake-hit Sichuan Province carrying 206 injured people for further treatment in Chongqing.

The train, which set off at 10:20 a.m. from Mianyang, the worst-hit area in the 8-magnitude quake on May 12, is expected to reach the north railway station in Chongqing six and a half hours later.

Before this, more than 1,500 victims who were injured in the quake were also evacuated by bus to adjacent provinces for further medical treatment.

The quake hit Sichuan Province, with Wenchuan at the epicenter, at 2:28 p.m. on May 12. Many other areas were also affected

The death toll from the massive quake rose to 32,476 nationwide as of 2 p.m. Sunday, while the injured numbered 220,109, according to the emergency response office under the State Council.

And deaths from the magnitude 8.0 earthquake rose to 32,173in Sichuan alone as of 7 p.m. on Sunday, the Sichuan provincial government said on Monday morning.

(Xinhua News Agency May 19, 2008)