China has stepped up efforts to mobilize resources for rescue missions after the deadly earthquake. China's Ministry of Health has urged people to donate blood to help the victims. Major domestic air companies are also pitching in by transporting relief aid to quake-hit zone. The Red Cross Society of China has also received public donations totaling more than 120 million yuan, or 17 million U.S. dollars.
CRI's Zheng Chenguang reports.
Many local residents in Sichuan voluntarily joined blood donation efforts to help the victims. In Chendu, capital of the quake-hit Sichuan province, citizens went to blood banks late in the night.
"I feel this is the time people most need help. I just want to do my bit. Donating blood is something I can and will always do."
"Maybe my blood can save a life. Maybe someone in the city will be saved because of this bag of blood I am donating."
A senior official from a blood center in the provincial capital Chendu, Fu Chao, said there is large demand for blood in disaster regions, and that the center was trying to collect as much blood as they could.
"We can't afford to make donors wait too long, so we are also using a bus equipped with blood collecting facilities."
As the powerful earthquake cut off roads and railways, China's major air companies are racing against time to help transport aid to quake-hit areas. Zhu Mei is with Air China.
"Besides our regular flights and those on rescue missions, we have three additional flights ready to be deployed to Sichuan. Air China will continue offering its support to rescue and relief efforts."
China Eastern Airlines has also sent a plane to Chengdu, carrying 103 medical personnel and medical equipment. The Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport reopened Tuesday after restoration of its runways. The resumption of air service has given the province additional means to funnel supplies into the badly-affected region.
Zheng Chenguang, CRI news.