CRI听力: Rescuing Efforts Continue in China's Earthquake-hit Area

Efforts continue in the search for survivors in China's northwestern quake-hit area. At the same time, people around China have made donations for the victims and their families.

A TV charity, broadcast nationwide, has raised over 2 billion yuan, or about 319 million U.S. dollars, in donations. A national day of mourning has been declared for those killed, one week after the devastating tragedy: the Chinese flag will be lowered to half-mast around the country and at embassies and consulates abroad in a show of respect for those killed in Qinghai Province.

All public entertainment will also be suspended. Most websites and news portals in China have already turned black and white as part of the national mourning, which will start this morning at ten O'clock in Ching High with three minutes of silence. CRI's reporter Chen Xi has more.

Rescue teams continued to search for signs of life amongst the rubbles, one week after a strong quake shook China's rugged northwestern plateau, killing more than 2,000 people.

The official death toll climbed to at least 2,064 people, with 175 still missing in Yushu county, a heavily Tibetan area in Qinghai province.

Meanwhile, rescuers scoured the collapsed buildings in the hope of finding survivors.

Wang Changchun is from China's International Rescue Team.

"Each piece of equipment has a different function. It allows them to completely utilise and learn from each other's strong points. Only through this way can we ensure total success."

At a regular news briefing in Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Jiang Yu released the latest rescuing efforts in the quake-plagued area.

"At present, a sufficient number of rescuers were working in the area, relief materials were continuously en route to the quake zone, and survivors were receiving appropriate treatment. The government fully respects the local customs and beliefs. The rites to comfort those who have been affected by the earthquake continue while we pray for the souls of those who have perished."(www.hXen.com)

The Ministry of Culture has issued an urgent circular, ordering administrative departments to strengthen supervision of entertainment venues and to punish those violating the rule.

Besides entertainment venues, website groups should also suspend all online services of music, games, comics, films and TV shows.

For CRI, I'm Chen Xi.