Over the past few days, the Sichuan Provincial Military Command has summoned 50,000 militiamen. Joining the quake relief efforts across the affected region, the militiamen have been providing much-needed help to survivors in their temporary communities.

Over the past few days, the Sichuan Provincial Military Command has summoned 50,000 militiamen.

A contingent of more than 100 militiamen have arrived in badly earthquake-hit Xiaoba Town in Anxian county, since Thursday. Working around the clock, they have erected a camp for local quake survivors. They've also applied disinfectants across the town.

Some of them were transferred from ongoing relief work. But most of them were summoned up earlier this week by the Sichuan Provincial Military Command. Although exhausted after days of hard work, they are reluctant to take a break. So far, the tents they have put up provide shelter for about 500 survivors.

Meanwhile, in Neigu Town, the largest settlement for quake survivors in Beichuan county the local military command has set up six mobile kitchens. They are already in operation, providing regular food services for those displaced from their homes. Militiamen have also been working 24-hours a day to put up hundreds of tents since Friday.

Over in Yuanxian county militia soldiers have set up a number of stations to hand out relief materials to local residents. Along with food and drinking water, sheets, quilts and clothing are also available.

So far, the Sichuan Provincial Military Command has deployed more than 50,000 militia and reserve troops for the ongoing relief effort. It has also brought in more than 10,000 vehicles and heavy machines.

(CCTV May 26, 2008)