Briefly

BEIJING

Militaries discuss humanitarian aid

The Chinese and US militaries started an online seminar on Wednesday to share experiences on humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, the Ministry of National Defense said. The 16th of its kind, the three-day event will cover topics including the military's participation in flood and typhoon disaster relief efforts and in COVID-19 epidemic control and prevention, as well as military-civilian cooperation.

SHANXI

Five trapped after coal mine floods

Five people have been trapped after a coal mine flooded on Wednesday in Shuozhou, Shanxi province, authorities said. The accident happened at 2:50 am in a shaft in Pinglu district, where 91 miners were working underground. Eighty-six were lifted out of the shaft, the city's publicity department said. The mine is operated by Maohua Wantongyuan Coal Mining. Rescue work is underway.

SHAANXI

Eight miners may have died from gas

Eight miners were confirmed dead following a coal mine accident last week in Tongchuan, Shaanxi province, rescuers said on Wednesday. Rescue work finished at 11:45 pm on Tuesday after the last four bodies were pulled out of a shaft operated by Qiaoziliang Coal Industry, the rescue headquarters at the site said. Forty-two miners were working in the mine when the accident took place at 1:15 pm on Nov 4, with 34 lifted out safely. Initial investigation showed the accident was likely due to a gas outburst during mining.

YUNNAN

99th Mekong River joint patrol begins

Law-enforcement authorities from China, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand joined forces on Tuesday for the start of the 99th Mekong River joint patrol. Three Chinese vessels participating in the patrol departed from Xishuangbanna Dai autonomous prefecture, Yunnan province. Since September, officers from the four countries have resolved eight illegal immigration cases and have arrested 86 suspects. The Mekong, known as the Lancang in China, is a vital waterway for cross-border shipping.

LIAONING

Medical teams to support Gambia

Two medical teams from Liaoning province flew to the western African country of Gambia on Nov 9 at the invitation of the Gambian government. One medical team is to carry out a three-month international anti-pandemic medical mission. The other one will continue medical and health aid programs for Gambia that started four years ago. Liaoning has sent 51 medical workers to Gambia since the resumption of diplomatic relations in 2016.

Xinhua - China Daily