China rules out post-quake epidemics

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YONGAN, (China), June 2 (Reuters): China said Monday it could guarantee there would be no epidemics in the earthquake zone, while some survivors complained their farmland was being bulldozed to make way for temporary housing. Where bodies crushed under buildings in the devastating May 12 tremor could not be cremated, they had been buried deep underground and far from water sources to prevent contamination, Health Ministry spokesman Mao Qunan said.

Camps had been disinfected and people warned of health risks.

"Theoretically, when there is a large movement of people, the risk increases for the spread of transmittable diseases," he said on a webcast on central government website.

China has mobilized its military to unblock roads, clear rubble and deliver food, water and tents to millions displaced by the quake. Rescuers are racing to clear swollen "quake lakes" and set up housing before the summer rainy season begins.