Death toll climbs to 20 in Tibet following Nepal earthquake

Rescuers work in the county of Gyirong in China's Tibet autonomous region, April 25, 2015. [Photo/Xinhua]

China's top economic planner on Sunday allocated 30 million yuan ($4.9 million) of emergency funds to the quake-affected regions in Tibet.

The National Development and Reform Commission said the funds will be used to support restoration work in Tibet following the Nepal earthquake.

The central government has sent 5,000 tents, 30,000 coats, 30,000 comforters, 15,000 folding beds and 15,000 sleeping bags to the affected area. The regional government has sent tents, coats, food, medicine and drinking water.

Tibet military command is helping with relief work. The Xigaze military subarea has assembled 1,050 soldiers and members of the militia, 60 medical staff and 87 vehicles. More rescuers from the regional military area are on the way. About 600 border guards are involved in rescue operations in Nyalam and Gyirong. Rescuers are braving heavy snow and rain to reach the affected area, but are hampered by landslides on the road to Nyalam.

"Aftershocks are our biggest worry at the moment, because there is nowhere to hide," said Gyanga Tseten, detachment head of Xigaze fire brigade, who is leading a 30-strong task force to Zham Pass about 37 km from Nyalam.

Two groups of health workers have reached Gyirong county and begun disinfection operations. Another group had reached Nyalam by noon, where epidemic prevention and control is underway. Protection of drinking water sources is the priority, said Sogdoi, head of the Xigaze city health bureau.

Telecommunication technicians are repairing the 66 base stations in Xigaze that stopped working during the earthquakes. China Mobile's branch in Lhasa and sub-branch in Xigaze have sent 57 technicians and 10 emergency vehicles along the road from Xigaze to Nyalam and Zham. China Unicom and China Telecom have also sent technicians and recovery vehicles to the worst areas.