Russian doctors and emergency workers have arrived in China's Sichuan province, which has been hit by the country’s deadliest earthquake in more than two decades. Russia's Emergency Ministry has also sent specialist rescue teams with heavy equipment and d

More than 21,000 people are already confirmed dead, but China says the death toll could reach fifty thousand. More than a hundred thousand have been injured.

The disaster prompted a worldwide response, with many countries sending aid to help deal with its aftermath.

Russia was among the first to react.

“We’ve brought tents that can accommodate up to thirty people, and we’ve brought blankets and mattresses. They will help those who suffered from the earthquake, at least for some time,” said a Russian aid worker.

The 24-hour search for survivors continues and many of those working around the clock to help the injured are worried their own families may be affected.

“My child has gone to the city, to school, and I don't know how he is. So when we see kids who are hurt, we are very sad because they have a long way ahead of them and we don't know how they will cope. Many children have already had amputations,” said Deng Xiaoling, doctor at Deyang City People's Hospital.