Relief aid deployed after Sichuan quake

The Chinese government dispatched a working group to Sichuan province on Monday to guide post-earthquake response efforts after a magnitude 5.5 earthquake struck Yibin city at 12:12 am, according to the Ministry of Emergency Management. Following the earthquake, the office of the State Council earthquake relief headquarters and the ministry activated a Level IV national emergency response for earthquake disasters and sent the working group to the affected area, the ministry said in a statement. Minister of Emergency Management Zhang Chengzhong urged local authorities to assess the extent of the earthquake damage as soon as possible, while making all-out efforts in disaster assessment, emergency rescue and relief work, the statement said.

Five killed in Fujian gorge accident

Five people have been confirmed dead after an accident occurred in a gorge in Xianyou county under the administration of Putian city, East China's Fujian province, local authorities said on Monday. Nine outdoor enthusiasts encountered danger in the so-called "Cidao Gorge" on Sunday. Upon receiving the emergency call, local authorities immediately launched full rescue operations. Four people were rescued, while the other five died due to drowning.

Three killed after Huludao gas explosion

Three people were killed after a suspected liquefied gas leak caused a sudden explosion in a residential building in Nanpiao district, Huludao, Liaoning province, on Monday morning. Fire and rescue services dispatched 95 workers and 14 fire trucks to the scene, where eight other people had sustained minor injuries, according to a statement from the city's fire rescue bureau. The trio was found after search operations, while the injured were taken to the hospital, the bureau said. The cause of the incident is under investigation.

CHINA DAILY