Torch relay goes as planned after quake

Tue, May 13 06:35 PM

New Delhi, May 13 (ANI): The torch relay for the 2008 Beijing Olympics will not alter its route in spite of the devastation caused by Monday's earthquake in China's southwest Sichuan Province.

Li Zhanjun , an official of BOCOG, the organisers of the Games, told reporters on Tuesday that as the epicenter was not along the route of the torch relay, the Olympic flame would continue on the route as planned.

The deadly quake, measuring 7.8 on the Richter scale, has killed about 10,000 people and the death toll is expected to rise further. Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao is currently in the quake-stricken area to direct relief work.

According to the relay route, the torch is scheduled to arrive in Sichuan from nearby Chongqing Municipality on June 15 and tour seven cities in four days within the province before flying to the Tibet Autonomous Region.

Li said the organizers would pay close attention to the ongoing situation. If any contingency plans are necessary, all levels of government in conjunction with BOCOG will jointly make them.

The torch relay in Longyan, Fujian Province proceeded Tuesday morning as planned. (ANI)

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