(Fire engines rush to earthquake-hit areas after refuelling at Petro China gas station in Mianyang, Sichuan)

State-owned enterprises, including China Mobile, Petro China, and People’s Insurance Company of China (PICC), have activated emergency responses after a 7.0-magnitude earthquake struck southwest China's Sichuan Province on Tuesday.

China Mobile restored service for 3,682 overdue phones in 20 minutes after the quake. It also set up areas to provide free phones and battery charging services, as well as a 24/7 hotline, 10086, to help people find lost relatives.

Petro China transported more than 300 tons of fuel to 11 quake-hit gas stations to ensure the running of rescue vehicles. The more than 500 tons of fuel already at these stations can sustain rescue operations for two days.

PICC will simplify claims procedures and prioritize cases of quake victims. It also canceled restrictions on hospitals and medicines. Proactive claims would be provided in advance for deaths announced by government, even without a death certificate.

The earthquake hit a sparsely populated area 200 km (120 miles) west-northwest of the city of Guangyuan at a depth of 20 km close to the Jiuzhaigou nature reserve, a famous tourist destination. Officials announced 19 deaths and over 175 others injured. By 9:20 a.m. (Beijing time), nine people were saved and more than 3,000 tourists were evacuated, according to Sichuan Fire Brigade.