Power supply in the earthquake-stricken area in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region was restored on Saturday, binging the local radio stations and schools back into normal operation.

According to Liu Bao, assistant to general manager of the localpower company, Monday's devastating earthquake destroyed 64 kilometers of high-voltage and 70 kilometers of low-voltage electric cable.

At press time, about 85 percent of the disaster areas have been reconnected to the power grid.

Meanwhile, clean drinking water has also been transported to the area given that water pipelines were severely damaged in the earthquake.

Villages in Jiashi and Bachu Counties are urgently building water storage ponds to try to ensure a sufficient supply of drinking water.

Despite mourning the loss of loved ones, residents' lives are returning to normal with help pouring in from around the country. Most residents hope to recover gradually from their emotional depression.

Aulti Daulti, an elderly local villager, said, "I learned from the village broadcast that all social circles have lent us a helping hand, which really touched us and increased our resolve to rebuild my hometown."

(Xinhua News Agency March 1, 2003)