SCDF begins search and rescue mission in quake-hit Sichuan
By Lynlee Foo, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 17 May 2008 1852 hrs

	Photos  of
	Related News • Singapore FM lauds China's media coverage in quake aftermath • MediaCorp donates S$100,000 for China quake relief • Singapore's rescue team arrives in China • S'pore sends rescue team to quake-hit China • Mercy Relief to begin fund-raising for China quake victims • Singapore companies pledge more money to help China quake victims Special Report • Picture Gallery on China Earthquake

SINGAPORE : Singapore handed over to the Chinese authorities the first tranche of its US$200,000 aid package on Saturday.

The aid, which consists of medical supplies, was handed to Sichuan government's civil affairs to be distributed to the various quake-hit areas.

Over the next few days, it will be sending drinking water, purifying tablets, tents, groundsheets, blankets, sleeping bags and food supplies.

"(The aid) will come in a few batches. The first batch consists of medical supplies, while the future two batches will consist of foodstuff and water," said Lim Meng Hui, Singapore Consulate in Chengdu, Sichuan.

"We will distribute the aid supplies to areas that need them most, as soon as possible," said Ruan Jingjun, Chief of Civil Affairs, Sichuan Provincial Government.

The Singapore Civil Defence Force's (SCDF) Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team is also in China - working alongside rescue teams from Japan and South Korea.

The squads, the first international teams to arrive, have been flown into Sichuan's Chengdu airport.

They have a massive task at hand with thousands of people believed to be still buried under rubble.

Officials said it is the first time China has accepted outside professionals for domestic disaster relief.

LTC Francis Ng, Head, Singapore Rescue Team, said, "The main assistance we can give to them, that we can actually contribute to this rescue effort is search and rescue missions." - CNA/ms/ls