Communication fully restored in quake-hit townships in Xizang

(ECNS) -- Communication services provided by China Mobile and China Unicom in quake-affected Changsuo, Quluo and Cuoguo townships in Dingri County, Xizang Autonomous Region have been fully restored, according to local authorities.

As of 12:00 p.m. Wednesday, China Unicom, a comprehensive telecommunication service provider, had deployed 13 teams comprising 106 members, 33 support vehicles, two emergency vehicles, and a range of equipment, including five sets of integrated base stations and 19 satellite phones to restore communication in the hardest-hit areas.

In addition, the company has allocated 200,000 yuan (about $27.28 thousand) in disaster relife funds and provided 100 tents for disaster relief. China Unicom’s Tibet Branch has set up a working group to ensure the stablity and security of local communication.

China Mobile has also restored services at 177 base stations in the quake-hit area. By 06:08 p.m. Wednesday, communication signals in Changsuo, Quluo and Cuoguo townships had all been restored.

Currently, rescue and search operations have largely concluded. Efforts have now shifted to resettling affected residents and reconstruction, said local authorities at a press conference held Wednesday afternoon.

The earthquake, which struck Dingri County in Xigaze, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, on Tuesday morning, measured 6.8 magnitude, leaving 126 people dead and 188 others injured.