Seven days is widely considered the longest period a person is able to survive buried under rubble, but rescuers did manage to save an elderly woman a week after she was buried alive.

Seven days is widely considered the longest period a person is able to survive buried under rubble, but rescuers did manage to save an elderly woman a week after she was buried alive.

Against all the odds, a professional rescue team detected weak signs of life during their search in the debris of a food market beside a river.

It was later confirmed as a human survivor. After 30 minutes of intensive rescue efforts, an elderly woman was successfully dug out of the rubble.

One rescuer said "It is virtually impossible to survive so long without any food or water. As the rescue was coming to an end, we decided to conduct another thorough search of food markets and shops, where basic supplies can be found. The success proved that our decision was right."

The lucky woman was a 61-year-old vegetable vendor in the town. Rescuers are all amazed at her ability to survive at such a senior age.

The woman was sent to nearby hospital for treatment immediately. Doctors will form a special team to treat her.

(CCTV May 20, 2008)