Man missing for after Sichuan earthquake found alive

According to local media sources, a man who had been missing for 17 days following an earthquake in China's southwest Sichuan province has been found alive. Gan Yu, a 28-year-old hydropower station employee, remained behind with his colleague Luo Yong when the magnitude-6.8 earthquake struck Sichuan on September 5. The earthquake killed 93 individuals and injured many more. According to China National Radio, Gan provided first aid to his colleagues and assisted in prevent flooding by releasing water from the dam. Gan and Luo then remained in the station for more than a day without food or mobile service.

On September 7, the pair attempted to depart by trekking more than 12 kilometres. However, Gan, who is short-sighted, had lost his spectacles and was having difficulty traversing the rocky terrain, according to local media. The couple eventually decided to split up, with Luo moving off to seek help and Gan staying behind with some wild fruits and bamboo shoots for food while he waited. Rescuers discovered Luo on September 8, but when they returned to the location where he had left Gan, he was gone. Rescuers believed Gan had died of hypothermia after discovering just discarded clothing and footprints.

Gan was discovered, however, by a local farmer who decided to join the hunt on Wednesday because he was familiar with the terrain. After two hours of searching, Ni Taigao heard Gan's weak moans and discovered him injured under some trees. It was unclear why Gan had abandoned the waiting area. Gan survived the 17-day ordeal by eating wild fruits and drinking water, according to state-owned news site China Daily. He was airlifted to a local hospital, where doctors discovered he had multiple bone fractures. CCTV footage showed Gan eating a snack before being rescued and reconnecting with his parents from his hospital bed.

(source : AP)