Rescuers sent to China quake zone

Residents left their homes fearing aftershocks

Chinese rescue workers have been sent to areas worst hit by Saturday's magnitude 5.7 earthquake that left at least 15 people dead.

The teams were bringing food, water and tents to thousands of people whose their homes were flattened in the central province of Jiangxi.

Hundreds were injured in the earthquake and aftershocks have been reported.

The epicentre was near the city of Ruichang, where about 420,000 people left their homes fearing more tremors.

A total of 30,000 boxes of food and water have been delivered to the worst-hit areas, officials said.

The International Red Cross has sent 500 tents, and is expected to dispatch another 2,000 on Sunday.

About 8,000 homes have been destroyed.

"Basically, everyone in Ruichang is huddling in the street," a civil affairs official told AFP news agency.

Doctors treated people outside hospitals in case of new tremors, Xinhua news agency reported.

In nearby Jiujiang, thousands of people crowded the streets, following a series of aftershocks and fearing another strong quake.

Some wrapped themselves in blankets, with temperatures hovering at about 10C.

Zhang Xuping, 42, said his home in a village near Ruichang had cracks running down the walls.

Local officials told villagers not to stay indoors but had not provided any more information or assistance since, he said.

"We cut wood to build shelters," Mr Zhang said. "All of the people in the village stayed outdoors last night."

---

Have you been or do you know anybody who has been affected by the earthquake? If so you can send us your comments using the form below.

If you have any pictures of the earthquake you can send them to [e-mail]

Click here for terms and conditions on sending photos and video

Name

Your E-mail address

Town & Country

Phone number (optional):

Comments

The BBC may edit your comments and not all emails will be published. Your comments may be published on any BBC media worldwide.

Terms & Conditions