Vice Commander of the Chengdu Military Area Command and the Chengdu Disaster Relief Center Lu Dengming told China News Service on May 19 that only 11 members of his staff had been injured among all 160,000 of relief soldiers, armed policemen and militiamen. No death had been reported as of May 19, exactly 7 days after earthquake struck at 14:28. The first phase of the relief work now approaches its end.

According to the vice admiral, the official death toll currently stands at more than 30,000, with 20,000 victims still buried. With 168 hours having passed since the May 12 earthquake, the hope for finding more survivors is getting dimmer.

"Although we believe someone might still be alive through a miracle, there is a very tiny chance of human survival after a week has passed," said Lu. Fresh air in mountainous regions around villages might help victims to survive longer than 168 hours.

Lu also said that they had received a stern order on the evening of May 17 for all 160,000 soldiers to continue searching for possible survivors in every corner of every village encompassing the disaster area. But after 14:28 on May 19 disease prevention and rebuilding homesteads will be the army's top work priorities, he added.

"Army units and the local government authorities should make an effort to coordinate together to prevent diseases and epidemics after the earthquake," said Lu. He authorized 115 medical teams to enter disaster areas in order to treat victims and reinforce disease prevention work. The anti-chemical corps were also sent into earthquake-hit areas. They will work to professionally disinfect streets, buildings, relief workers and victims. The Army will be responsible to clear away rubble and ruins, set up field hospitals, and build toilets to ensure the health of relief workers and victims. In comparison to rural efforts, disease prevention in cities is more complex.

(China.org.cn by Wu Huanshu, May 20, 2008)