Society
Nine trapped by avalanche safe in NW China
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2010-01-27 19:05
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URUMQI: Nine people trapped by Tuesday's lethal avalanche in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region have extricated themselves from danger, but remained isolated by heavy snow, Xinjing regional government officials said Wednesday.
"The avalanche damaged two houses, and killed 392 livestock, but the trapped people are out of danger," Il Ismail, deputy director of regional government's general office said.
The road to the community in Xinyuan county was blocked by heavy snow and about 100 avalanches, making the rescue work more difficult, he said.
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The bodies of the five, who were in an off-road vehicle, had been recovered by rescuers, according to the prefecture's highway management department.
Sources with the regional emergency office told Xinhua that it would take three to four days to clear the snow to rescue those stranded.
Military helicopters carrying cotton-padded quilts and medicines were making rescue operations at the site and local government has mobilized 35 local herdsmen and 40 militia to get ready for forced rescue operation, carrying with them emergency relief materials such as food and medicine, Il Ismail said.
