Two women who had been trapped beneath the rubbles following a powerful earthquake that jolted southwest China a week ago were saved alive on Monday.

Rescuers found Wang Fazhen, a 50-year-old woman, from the rubble of a residential building of Tianchi Coal Mine at around 10:30 AM. She was pulled out of the debris 40 minutes later.

Wang showed weak life signs and was rushed to the hospital.

Rescuers said their life search device also detected there might be three more survivors in the vicinity of the place where Wang was found.

Another woman, Li Lingcui, 61, was also saved from below the rubble in the seat of Beichuan County near the epicenter at 10:40 AM.

Rescuers said Li remained in her right mind when they got her out of the debris.

(Xinhua News Agency May 19, 2008)