PLA soldiers join NW China quake relief

Rescuers work at Yongguang Village of Meichuan Town in Minxian County, northwest China's Gansu Province, July 22, 2013. The death toll has climbed to 89 in the 6.6-magnitude earthquake which jolted a juncture region of Minxian County and Zhangxian County in Dingxi City Monday morning. (Xinhua/Zhang Yongjin)

More than 3,900 soldiers and officers in active service, as well as 1,400 militiamen, have joined rescue and relief efforts in a quake zone in northwest China's Gansu Province, the headquarters of the General Staff of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) said Tuesday.

Soldiers are checking villages and houses one-by-one to look for survivors and help relocate the victims.

The PLA said it does not expect casualties to increase, adding that the current amount of troops, medical staff and equipment is sufficient.

A 6.6-magnitude earthquake jolted Minxian and Zhangxian counties in the city of Dingxi Monday morning, leaving 95 deed and 1,001 injured as of 11 p.m., said local authorities.

The troops will spare no efforts to save lives, aid the injured and relocate the victims, the headquarters said, adding that troops will also participate in epidemic prevention efforts.