Rescue teams have reached the hardest-hit areas of the earthquake to begin relief efforts. Three hundred rescuers from the local army, five hundred from Gansu Armed Police, and 330 firefighters have been mobilised.

Relief supplies including five hundred tents and two thousand cotton padded clothes have been sent. Traffic authorities say roads to Dingxi have not been damaged, and other relief materials will be sent by rail. But local weather forecasters have issued the highest warning about torrential rain today.

Since the epicenter of this morning's quake is in a mountainous area, experts say bad weather may hinder relief efforts. Experts have also warned people to watch out for secondary disasters such as landslides that may be caused by heavy rain.