Three Chinese civil rescue teams have arrived in Pedernales, the epicenter of Ecuador's huge earthquake last Saturday. They have begun a relief mission to help the local residents.

The Ram Union Rescue Team is the first to arrive. They start to deliver aid supplies soon after their arrival, visiting each house to provide medical aid to residents.

Their first patient is a new mother who gave birth just before the quake. She had received no professional medical care for eight days and was suffering from an infected wound.

"I really appreciate the Chinese medical workers coming to my home to give me medical care," said Decsi Naiquez, Pedernales resident.

The team members then went on to operate on three more patients. They also inspected collapsed buildings, before returning to their camp to discuss the rescue plan.

"Starting from now, we will do as much as we can to help this quake-stricken area, especially in terms of medical assistance. Currently, our team members are taking a short break in order to get prepared for the rescue mission in the following days," said He Jun, leader of Ram Union Rescue Team.

The temperature inside the tents was over 40 degrees Celsius and the rescuers have not showered for days. Yang Xiao'ai is the only female volunteer in the team.

"Our minds are determined but it is challenging physically. The heat is overwhelming and we haven't eaten for a long time," Yang said.

But all of them remain passionate and willing to do more.

Two other Chinese rescue teams have also arrived at the quake's epicenter. The three teams will now work together to contribute to the relief work.