Authorities in Urumqi say they are making efforts to return the city to normal, maintaining supplies of essential goods and services. On Wednesday evening, the mayor of Urumqi gave a briefing on the latest situation there.

Authorities in Urumqi say they are making efforts to return the city to normal, maintaining supplies of essential goods and services. On Wednesday evening, the mayor of Urumqi gave a briefing on the  latest situation there.

The mayor of Urumqi Jerla Isamudin says the July 5th riot severely disrupted normal lives and social order in the city. He says the situation is now under control and the government has set up a group to deal with the aftermath of the riot.

Jerla Isamudin said, The special group's responsibilities include communicating with the victim's families and evaluating the financial losses caused by the riot. The work of comforting and compensating victims has started. The government expects to allocate around 100-million yuan to deal with the aftermath of the riot. The identification of those who were killed is continuing.

The mayor said the government has launched an emergency response to maintain market supplies. Services in the city are still operating.

The mayor of Urumqi Jerla Isamudin says the July 5th riot severely  disrupted normal lives and social order in the city.

Jerla Isamudin said, Damaged roads are being repaired. Water, electricity and gas supplies are being maintained. Television and radio are broadcasting normally. And 80 percent of public transport and taxis have resumed, except restricted areas.

The mayor said shops, supermarkets and even some restaurants opened Wednesday afternoon.