China rules out post-quake epidemics

By Lindsay Beck

YONGAN, China (Reuters) - China said on Monday it could guarantee there would be no epidemics in the earthquake zone, while some survivors complained their farmland was being bulldozed to make way for temporary housing.

Where bodies crushed under buildings in the devastating May 12 tremor could not be cremated, they had been buried deep underground and far from water sources to prevent contamination, Health Ministry spokesman Mao Qunan said.

Camps had been disinfected and people warned of health risks.

"Theoretically, when there is a large movement of people, the risk increases for the spread of transmittable diseases," he said on a webcast on central government website www.gov.cn

"We have the ability and the confidence to guarantee there will be no epidemics after the disaster."

China has mobilised its military to unblock roads, clear rubble and deliver food, water and tents to millions displaced by the quake. Rescuers are racing to clear swollen "quake lakes" and set up housing before the summer rainy season begins.

A total of 69,019 people have been confirmed dead as of midday on Monday, with 18,627 missing and 373,573 injured.

A tent city has sprung up in Anxian, just off a main road running through mountain fields of corn and watermelons.