Snapshots of rescue efforts in quake-hit region (3)

AS COMPETENT AS MAN

Unlike other female volunteers in the quake-affected region, Zhang Wenxiu, 25, believed she could do a man's work in the rescue attempts.

Zhang traveled from a county of neighboring Leshan City. She walked and hitchhiked all the way to the seriously affected Baoxing County on Sunday while many her companions gave up and returned as they found they might not be helpful after their arrival.

Then, Zhang rushed to Baoxing's Longdong Township and helped transport the injured and carry relief goods.

When she came across a firefighter whose mobile phone was out of power, Zhang handed over her newly bought phone without giving him her name.

"He is more professional in rescue and needs to learn information immediately so I thought he needed the phone more than I did," Zhang said.

"I'm healthy and can walk faster than a man," Zhang said. "I came a long way here just for the rescue, not to make trouble."