TAIPEI -- A total of 341 Taiwan tourists and personnel from 19 tour groups in Jiuzhaigou were safe and none were injured following Tuesday's earthquake, the island's tourism bureau said Wednesday. After consulting the local tourism association, 19 tour groups from a dozen travel agencies were in Jiuzhaigou in southwest China's Sichuan province when the earthquake hit the area Tuesday evening. All 341 were confirmed safe, according to the bureau. As of Wednesday morning, the death toll from the earthquake had risen to 13, with 175 people injured. The island's local government issued a statement earlier Wednesday, expressing sadness for the victims and expressing willingness to help with relief efforts. "We are willing to help and provide all necessary assistance," the statement said, "As we send our condolences and concern to the victims, we also pray that people in areas hit by the earthquake can rebuild their homes as soon as possible." festival wristbands ukprinted braceletscustomise fidget spinner24hr wristband202mm to inches
XINING - China's homegrown regional jetliner, the ARJ21-700, has successfully completed its trial flight on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, demonstrating its ability to fly safely at high elevations. The regional jetliner travelled along several air routes in Qinghai province over the course of five days last week, according to Qinghai Airport Co Ltd. The test included an engine-start ground test at the high altitude airport, flight performance verification testing and take-off and landing tests. "The successful trial flight shows that the ARJ21-700 is able to fly along air routes in the region at around 3,000 meters above sea level," said Wu Zhaowei from the test verification division of the ARJ21 program department of the Commercial Aircraft Corp of China (COMAC). ARJ21-700, produced by COMAC, is a jet with 78 to 90 seats and a flight range of 2,225 to 3,700 km. It mainly serves China's central and western cities. The number of passenger planes that can be used in Qinghai-Tibet Plateau is limited due to thin air and complicated terrain and climate. "If the ARJ21-700 enters the market, rural residents there will be able to travel more quickly at a cheaper price," said Meng Jun, a staff member with the Qinghai Airport Co. In July this year, COMAC obtained a production license from the General Administration of Civil Aviation, which means it can mass produce the ARJ21-700.
