PM orders reinforcements as toll rises to 14,866

(chinadaily.com.cn)
Updated: 2008-05-14 02:03

Emergency Warning

Water resources authorities issued an emergency warning after water projects suffered severe damage in the quake.

According to E Jingping, vice-minister of water resources, the quake has resulted in the damage of "a considerable number of water projects".

"Given that water reservoirs are prone to risks, dam collapses might lead to mass casualties if inspections and rescue work are not conducted in a timely manner," E told Xinhua after an urgent video conference with the water authorities in Sichuan, Chongqing, Yunnan, Gansu and Shaanxi.

Torch Relay

In another development, organizers of the Beijing Olympic Games said on Tuesday that a minute's silence will be observed during future stops of the torch relay to mourn the victims of the quake.

The relay is scheduled to head to Jiangxi province on Wednesday as it continues its three-month journey through the country.

"All participants of the torch relay will observe one minute of silence at the beginning of the "Donation centers will also be set up along the route of the relay."

Li Zhanjun, a BOCOG spokesman, said earlier yesterday that there were no plans to change the relay's route in Sichuan.

The torch is to be carried through seven towns and cities in Sichuan from June 15 to 18. They include Mianyang and Guanghuan, both hit hard in the quake.

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