The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has deployed 100 satellite terminals in China to help restore vital communication links in the aftermath of the severe earthquake that hit on May 12, the UN agency said on Thursday.

The 8.0-magnitude quake in the southwest Sichuan province killed tens of thousands of people and also destroyed infrastructure and telecommunications lines, disrupted electricity and transport.

The mobile satellite terminals are easily transported by road and air to be used both by humanitarian workers and the victims of this disaster.

With the restoration of communication links, designated government officials and other humanitarian agencies are now able to more efficiently coordinate relief operations, ITU said in a statement.