ROK rescue team continues search for "miracle" quake survivors

Source: Xinhua | 05-18-2008 16:44

A team of rescue workers from the Republic of Korea (ROK) has vowed to keep scouring the rubble of southwest China's earthquake zone until all hope of survival "miracles" is lost.

"Although the chances of survival for those trapped are slim, we are still searching for miracles," said team leader Kim Yong Suk on Sunday.

ROK rescue team continues search for "miracle" quake survivors

Kim and his 40 rescue team members from the Republic of Korea were searching through the debris of a flattened chemical plant of Shifang city, Sichuan Province. They recovered two bodies on Saturday.

They have been using life detection equipment in the twisted ruins of buildings, factories and schools since they began work on Saturday, but have so far failed to find any survivors.

They flew into Sichuan on Friday, and Kim has yet to phone his family.

"I am most concerned about the rescue work and safety of my team," said Kim, 55. "I have no time to think about other things."

Two thirds of the crew had international rescue experience.

"We rescuers are of the same family," Kim said. When he saw TV footage of Chinese professional rescuers at work, he wanted to join them immediately.