Rescuers have been working day and night to save trapped workers in a coal mine in Shanxi Province, since water gushed into the shaft 8 days ago. Their persistence has been crucial to the success of the mission.

More than 3,000 rescuers were mobilized on March 28th. Many of them have worked more than 12 hours a day for eight days. On the fifth day, their persistence paid off.

Rescuer Wang Gensheng said, "I tried to sooth the survivor and assured him we were going to lift him to safety."

For the rescuers, the safe evacuation of the trapped workers is their best reward.

A rescuer said, "We haven't had any sleep for a few days. Now some of the trapped have been saved. Words can't describe my excitement."

To provide a constant electricity supply, the Shanxi Power Grid has initiated emergency plans and allocated 2 mobile generators to the site.

Communication is the nerve system of the rescue operation. China Unicom sent its communication trucks to enhance mobile phone signals.

To provide food for the rescuers, the coal mine's canteen is open round the clock.

Canteen worker Zhang Fenglian said, "We've been making meals on a 24 hour basis, everything for the rescue mission."

Armored police have tried their best to maintain order at the site and traffic police reserved a designated lane for ambulances to make sure the survivors could reach the hospitals more quickly.

(CCTV.com April 6, 2010)