Edited and translated by Wang Lili, People's Daily Online
Since the quake hit Lushan county in southwest China's Sichuan province on April 20, the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Air Force has carried out airdrop operations in the quake-hit areas in southwest China to deliver foods and water for thousands of homeless survivors.
Shortly after the quake, the PLA Air Force mobilized its helicopters and reconnaissance aircraft to update the situation of the quake-hit areas and guide rescuers on land. More than 5,000 Chinese soldiers have been deployed for rescue and disaster relief since the 7.0-magnitude quake struck Sichuan province. The Air Force in Chengdu Military Region has directed 300 relief flights, and provided supports to 5,500 flights, with the fastest speed to set up the "disaster relief bridges" .