Chinese Customs had expedited clearance of 591 batches of quake-relief materials and rescue personnel nationwide as of 2 p.m. on Wednesday, the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC) announced.

This included 395 shipments of aid disaster relief materials and rescue and medical teams from 51 countries and regions, the GACC said.

Another 196 shipments were imported medical instruments, water-purifying equipment, tents, food, clothing and other necessities.

(Xinhua News Agency June 5, 2008)