The death toll from Sunday's earthquake in Yunnan province rose to nearly 600
on Wednesday as a key 72-hour period for rescue work passed.
The magnitude-6.5 quake has killed 589 people and injured more than 2,000
others.
Although the 72-hour "golden period" had passed, rescuers were still trying
to find residents buried in rubble.
Deng Zhiping, an army commander, told soldiers not to abandon any opportunity
to save lives. Troops will continue to be sent in if residents find and report
survivors among the debris, Deng said.
But he said rescuers in rural areas of Longtoushan township, the quake
epicenter, had experienced great difficulties.
Workers had to use a helicopter on Wednesday to carry an injured woman from
her mountainside home to the township, as the quake had badly damaged the route
to her house.
Li Zuocheng, another army commander, said rescuers had to clamber over two
mountains to reach the village of Cuiping, about 15 km from the township.
Wang Cheng, a police officer helping with rescue work in rural areas,
suggested that provincial authorities designate areas for helicopter
landings.
"People who are seriously injured in remote villages only have helicopters to
rely on," Wang said.
Major roads to the township have been kept clear and many vehicles carrying
relief materials, including food and water, have been allocated to
residents.
Li said that food safety, as part of epidemic prevention work, is being
highlighted in shelters, adding that disease control has been extended across
Ludian county.
The provincial health authority has sent more than 360 workers to improve
sanitation and prevent epidemics. At least five members had been assigned by
Wednesday to disinfect every village.
Lu Lin, director of the provincial disease control center, said, "The major
work is to estimate infectious diseases, ensure the safety of drinking water and
give medical knowledge to people."
Colds, hepatitis and diarrhea are common after disasters, so every part of
the epicenter must be disinfected, Lu said.
Four disinfecting vehicles have arrived in one community in the township and
soldiers have been ordered to help with the work.
Many bodies in the area are rotting and a foul smell is coming from a river
in the community, a sign that epidemic prevention work is needed urgently.
The provincial health authority dropped at least 200 manual sprayers by air
to help with the work.