Traffic hinders earthquake relief efforts

The area of Sichuan province struck by a powerful earthquake Saturday morning is now beset with traffic congestion, a communications shutdown and lack of relief materials, South China Morning Post reported. The death toll from the quake rose to 186 on Sunday, with more than 11,000 injured and 21 missing. The State Council banned people in personal vehicles from going to the quake zone to prevent traffic congestion on the narrow roads leading to the area. Premier Li Keqiang toured the affected area over the weekend and called for the government to step up rescue efforts. Beijing has earmarked US$161 million (RMB 1 billion) for rescue and relief efforts. An earthquake in the same province killed more than 90,000 in 2008.