Keeping a lifesaving channel to quake epicenter accessible

Volunteers are crucial for rescue efforts in a disaster but sensible ones, even more so.

After the magnitude-6.5 earthquake hit Ludian county of Yunnan province on Sunday afternoon, thousands of volunteers drove their private cars to the epicenter of Longtoushan township to help with rescue operations.

But their large numbers strained the local transport system and the rescue itself. Only a 15-meter-wide road provided access to the township. Overnight rain damaged the sole artery and it could not withstand the packed vehicles.