On 12th May 2008, a mega earthquake hit the middle west China, and it was devastating. As it happened in the afternoon around 2:30 local time, most of the students were inside the school building, and many buildings were collapsed.
(Fig: Chinese rescue team members were trying to uncover these kids. Some appeared to be dead.)
More than 12,000 people are reported to be killed, as of the midnight, 13th May. And the statuses of more than 90,000 are unknown, due to the bad weather and destroyed roads.
What happened?
- Here are photo albums from the spot: see album 1, see album2.
- Here is a live video from the earthquake scene in Sichuan, which is 85kilometers away from the epicenter: watch this video.
- Here is a video of the rescuing effort by the Chinese PLA soldiers: watch this video.
- Maps to the epicenter: Check these maps.
- On the same day, Prime minister Wen jiabao arrived at a city very close to the epicenter to direct the rescue effort and to comfort the people.
- The roads are damaged and it is storming, but the vanguard has arrived at the epicenter by non-stopping walking as of 13th May.
In the News
- Xinhua News Special edition on China earthquake.
- BBC news on China earthquake.
- CNN news on China earthquake.
- New York Times on China earthquake.
- This Wikipedia entry (updated, and supposed to be in non-biased view)
What could WE do?
If you want to lend a helping hand, please consider:
- to make a donation to Hong Kong Red Cross website (Quote “China Earthquake Donation”), or other reliable organizations. According to a reliable source: 40 GBP will help a refuge surviving for one month. If you have any problem with donation, I will be happy to help. (email me: ji@jiruan.net). Please note that you do not need to rush to donate, as our government has allocated a lot of resources and money to the people there. Giving money to a truthst wothy organization is equally important.
- to raise the awareness of this disaster around your community.
Chinese people will be grateful to you.
Let’s mourn those who died, wish the best for those who are still missing, and help those who have been rescued.
With best wishes, Ji
PS: The Burma Cyclone is also shocking, and it will be equally grateful if you help them instead, or help both.
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