Areas stricken by the southwest China earthquake had reported no major crimes, fires or traffic accidents as of 5:00 PM on Tuesday, indicating public order was being maintained, according to the Ministry of Public Security.

The disaster-hit provinces of Sichuan, Gansu and Shaanxi, and Chongqing Municipality managed to maintain social stability, and other cities were also maintaining order.

The ministry has ordered local public security departments to strengthen patrols and security work, and prevent and crack down on those who take advantage of the disaster to commit crimes.

Those who spread rumors or incite crimes should be severely punished, the ministry said.

The ministry has sent 1,138 firemen and 1,000 special policemen to Sichuan to help local personnel with disaster relief work.

(Xinhua News Agency May 14, 2008)