China thanks Russia for quake relief

China has again thanked Russia for its help and support in the quake relief efforts in Sichuan. The Ambassador to Russia, Liu Guchang, held a reception for the Russian Emergency Relief Department in Moscow on Wednesday. Officials from the Ministry of Russian Federation of Emergency Situations and Disaster Relief and Russian Foreign Ministry attended the event.

Liu Guchang said the May 12th quake in Sichuan left a huge number of casualties in China and led to enormous property losses. He spoke of the people's great courage and unity in relief and reconstruction in the face of the country's worst disaster in decades.

And at the critical moment, the Russian government and people extended a helping hand of humanitarianism, physically and emotionally. Russia launched its largest ever international rescue campaign. It was the first country to send relief materials and rescue and medical teams. Russia also led in offering to host children from the quake zone for recovery. The Russian rescue team was the only foreign team to successfully pull survivors from the rubble. And when the Tangjiashan barrier lake threatened to burst, Russia promptly sent a helicopter to help control efforts.

An official from the Ministry of Russian Federation of Emergency Situations and Disaster Relief said close cooperation in the relief process has led to closer friendship. It's also provided Russia with experience in international rescue. As China's friend in need indeed, Russia is ready to do more.

Members of the Russian rescue team and pilots said they're proud of what they've done in China. They also praised China for its rapid response.

Vladimir Legoshiv, Deputy Head of Russian Rescue Team said "I was impressed by the organization and preparation by Chinese government when facing the quakes. All work was properly handled, including the evacuation of residents, providing survivors food, medical help and epidemic prevention. I've been serving in rescue efforts around the world. I've seen no other country being so effective and orderly in disaster relief."

Russian helicopters have made 20 flights for quake relief and so far, Russia has sent nearly 500 tons of relief materials. The Russian medical team treated over 15-hundred patients and performed over a hundred operations. They donated the rest of their 7 tons of medicine to local people before leaving for home.