Video
report
Rescue workers raced to find survivors of the worst earthquake to strike China
for 32 years as schools, factories and a hospital were reduced to rubble
yesterday afternoon at a time when classrooms were full and work-places busy.
By early this morning, state-run media were reporting a death toll approaching
10,000 across the worst-hit southwestern Sichuan province, but rescue teams
were still struggling to reach towns cut off by smashed roads and landslides
in the mountainous earthquake zone.
There were fears that tens of thousands may lie buried by debris in the
dirt-poor town of Wenchuan, whose 110,000 residents had failed to make
contact with the outside world. Few buildings in this remote region would
have been built to withstand earthquakes.
In a single county near the epicentre, 80 per cent of buildings had collapsed,
3,000-5,000 people had died and 10,000 had been injured. That means about
one in ten in Beichuan county, from a population of 161,000, has been killed
or injured.
The magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck at 2.28pm. Tremors rocked buildings in
Beijing, sent ripples of fear through Bangkok and caused near-panic even in
Hanoi, capital of Vietnam. Some skyscrapers in China’s financial hub,
Shanghai, swayed so violently that they had to be evacuated.
In Juyuan town in Dujiangyan city, just south of the epicentre, the middle
school collapsed, burying 900 students and immediately killing four. “Some
buried teenagers were struggling to break loose from underneath the ruins
while others were crying out for help,” state media said.
Photographs posted on the internet showed arms and a torso sticking out of the
rubble of the school as dozens of people scrabbled to free them. They used
small winches or their bare hands to move concrete slabs. Rescuers had
pulled 50 bodies from the debris. Two girls said that they escaped because
they had run faster than others. “It was about 2.30 pm and the building
suddenly began to rock back and forth,” one said. A villager said that the
school had 18 classes, with about 50 students in each class.
Gao Shangquan, a neighbour, said that he ran to the school to help to pull
students from the ruins. “Some had jumped out of the window and a few others
ran down the stairs that did not collapse.” A hospital in the town also
collapsed, burying hundreds more. Another seven schools had been felled by
the quake.
In the town of Wenjiang one resident said: “People couldn’t stand. You felt so
dizzy. People ran out of the buildings into open areas in panic. Houses of
brick and wood have big cracks.” About 6,000 people were evacuated while
more than 80 tonnes of highly corrosive liquid ammonia leaked out.
Thousands of troops and paramilitary from the People’s Armed Police were on
their way to the region, carrying medical supplies. They were also equipped
with 5,000 tents to provide temporary shelters for those left homeless. But
their challenge was now to deliver the aid. A landslide had blocked a
mountain road leading to Wenchuan, preventing troops from reaching the
scene. Early this morning they were trying to mobilise helicopters, but were
being hampered by rain.
As rescue teams proceeded on foot, Wen Jiabao, the Chinese Prime Minister
said: “We must make every sacrifice to open the road.” He had flown to the
earthquake zone almost immediately, urging rescuers to work around the
clock. “Our first priority is to race to save people,” he said. “Every
minute, every second that you gain is a chance to save one more trapped
person.”
Less than 70 miles northwest of Chengdu, a county with a large population of
ethnic Tibetan and Qiang minority peoples, Wenchuan remained out of contact
either by fixed line or mobile telephone. “It is impossible to get there
because all the roads are blocked by landslides,” said a Chinese
photographer in Chengdu.
A driver for the provincial seismological bureau described the earthquake as
he was making his way through the mountainous region. “The road started
swaying as I was driving. Rocks fell from the mountains, with dust darkening
the sky over the valley,” he said.
In a sign of rare openness by China’s leadership, which has frequently in the
past tried to conceal the toll from natural disasters, Mr Wen said: “This is
an especially challenging task.
In the face of the disaster, what’s most important is calmness, confidence,
courage and powerful command.”
Such was the power of the earthquake that deaths were reported in three
neighbouring provinces and in the mega-city of Chongqing. The airport in
Chengdu was closed and flights had been diverted at first to Chongqing. That
airport was later closed, apparently to enable the military to use all
available air corridors and air-fields to ferry aid to the ruined areas.
Earthquakes are frequent along the fringes of the Tibetan Plateau, which was
raised when India collided with Eurasia about 50 million years ago.
The deadliest earthquake to rock the Tibetan plateau in the 20th century was
in 1920, when 230,000 people died in Gansu province.
it has been a big shock to hear of the strong quake and the thousands of innocent lives lost there in China. i as and of the times' readers pay my heartiest condolences to the bereaved families there.
ebrahim khodadoost, ardebil, iran
Personally, I am deeply saddened by these tragic events. I wish China all the well in this difficult time.
Josh, Beccles, UK
My condolences to those affected and sadness for the lives loss.Perhaps now is the time for the Chinese government to ensure builders labourers are paid well and no short cuts taken.It is a well known fact that the quality of buildings erected in China is shocking.Building codes should be enforced!
Grant James, Adelaide, Australia
TO: John Sinclair
Good question. However, I have to say that, China offers various resources to Burma every year acturally, like petro. I am very sad that we had such catastrophy. May the surviors be found as early as possible.
Zhang Pei, Zhengzhou, China
Lets make a donation for our friends in china
Mohammad, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Mohammad, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
It's the most devastating disaster I have ever witnessed since born to this planet. God bless our Chinese. Sincerely wishes for those who are suffering and who are devoting themselves to relief workers including military, paramilitary, doctors, volunteers, experts and the like
Kevin, Guangzhou, China
We returned from touring China 3 weeks ago - we were given such a warm welcome from so many firendly chinese people and were so impressed by the beauty and wonderful sights.We hope and pray that the authorities and the courageous chinese people can rescue as many as possible and save lives.
kay, leeds, UK
Sincerly thanks for all the good guys form all around world.we're no diffcult at all.we also had standing together and pray when Cantrina Hurrican ,311bombs in Spain.Tsunami in southeast asia happen .hope no barrier anymore in the future.god bless the EARTH!
JangIkMying, Beijing, China
I hope after the earthque,we will have more knowledge about nature and life
yan, chengdu, china
bless china
yan, chengdu, china
I'm Vietnamese .I've been to Sichuan several times. It's hard to believe such a beautiful place is in a mess now. I`m so sad ,I really do not know what to say about the earthqueke in the region .I pray for all the victimes caught in the quake.
My deepest sympathy for China and its people.
Van Emma , Tunis, Tunisia
The Chinese goverment works quite smartly & swiftly in this siuation. Hope less people dead, as less as possible.Please
Steve, Brisbane, Australia
I'm Vietnamese .I've been to Sichuan several times. It's hard to believe such a beautiful place is in a mess now. I`m so sad ,I really do not know what to say about the earthqueke in the region .I pray for all the victimes caught in the quake.
My deepest sympathy for China and its people.
Van Emma , Tunis, Tunisia
thank you for all the best wishes you have generously given to the disaster victims.it's really a nightmare,but we all hope things'll go for the best,the loss can be minimal.God bless them.
Life is so fragil,why we need war,on the contrary,we should appeal for the peace ever and ever after.
Lisa, Hunan, China
John Sinclair - if you had spent a day with a student waiting to hear if her entire family is ok (and she still doesn't know) perhaps you would not think about such petty retributions right now. Both events are terrible tragedies and our thoughts should be with the innocent people directly affected.
Louise, China,
lelia - unlike the earthquake in China, the people of New Orleans were warned about the potential danger and they chose to stay. the problems in N.O. were the result of incompetent city and state government and looters. ignorant comparisons serve no purpose.
Stan, baton rouge, USA
Because they don't want to see the scene that forigners rescue our people which will make good feelings to western people in Chinese
that's not their want
wo, xiqing, Tianjin
Why do people keep bringing god into this?! It has nothing to do with god. It is nature.
Sarah, London,
Why China has been suffering so much ? It's not long since the snow disaster went away, the cruel earthquake hit .
Rock, rubbble,landslides; tears,blood ,body... I feel terribly dismayed! Anyway,we are miserable but not desperate. I'm sure we can work hand in hand to came through this disaster!
Chen Saisai, Jinhua, China
I'm Vietnamese .I've been to Sichuan several times. It's hard to believe such a beautiful place is in a mess now. I`m so sad ,I really do not know what to say about the earthqueke in the region .I pray for all the innocent people caught in the quake.
Van Emma , Tunis, Tunisia
it is amazing, proud to be Chinese.
Donations received within last 24 hours (USD):
Hong Kong Govenment donated $38million
Marcau Govenment donated $12 million
Chinese Govenment released $120 million (Approximately)
Corporations in China donated as follows:
PICC $2million (Approx)
Jinyu Ni, Sydney, Australia
continued list of donations in Chinese companies (in USD):
Bank of Agriculture: $2million (approx)
Bank of China: $3.5 million(approx)
Lenova: $2million(approx)
A business man from Tai Wan: $8million
Haier: $2million
SNOPEC: $2million
there is around $74million dollars donated by companies.
Jinyu Ni, Sydney, Australia
We are much appreciated for your concern and support! It was a huge disaster for every Chinese people.But every Chinese people are making efforts to rescue and help those pople who live in the aera of earthquake.We think we can overcome this storm .
Zejun Lee, zhengzhou,
God bless Sichuanese people!
Bless for my country!
Nicole, Changzhou, China
Even it happened already ,a lot of ppl died this time ,but i believe our coutry can overcome quickly ,Sichuan ppl can do it too ,cos we have good goverment ,origination,they donation for it .Let us pray for the died ppl , alive going well !
bunny , shenzhen, china
I am in 2,500 kilometers away from the epicenter. Earthquake does not spread to here. Many people want to donate money to the disaster area. China have very bad luck this year.
Sun, Daqing, China
Thanks a million for your honest reporting the quake in China.
Our chinese wil be forever remember everyone who is concerning and supporting us.
nancy, shanghai, china
A picture paints a 1000 words. It is so painful to see so many young children die in this tragedy. It is sad and words cannot console the suffering. What have humans done, that God is punishing us. Whatever, the Chinese people will pull through in no time. Hopefully the Myanmarese will too. Tk God.
Lim, Johor Bahru, Malaysia
So heart-warming to see so many people concerned about the disaster area. Thanks for all.
Linn, Hangzhou,
I can't see my words
thank all of you
we need foreign help!
wo, xiqing, Tianjin
It is really a difficult year for China, snow disaster at beginning, now the severe earthquake. But I believe that we chinese can get through all these, holding together and helping each other. God bless China!
Liz, Zhejiang, China
I find it surprising that there are no foreign casulties _ at least one backpacker from my hostel had bad head injuries from being hit by falling masonry. Myy thoughts are with those stranded at Woolong Panda Reserve. I was so nearly there on Monday and only not there via bad plannine.
Kelly , Hong Kong,
Let's care and provide our helps to them together!
Huazi, Xian,
people are working hard since the disaster happened.I am conviced that lives and homes will be saved at last.People get stronger in such big disasters.
Ahben, Beijing, China
It was a shocking..the govt is working hard, however the public has done a good job. I pray god that the death toll should stop..
Arvind, Bangalore, India
bless everyone lost their lifes in this disaster.....
best wishes that they can go well .....
jia, beijing, china
My wife's cousins live in Wenchuan town, located at the epicentre of the earthquake. No news from them since Monday - we are very concerned for their safety.
Guy Dru Drury, Beijing, China
Except the certain death toll, there are more than 10,000 people still buried in this quake. I was shocked that only near 100 teenagers from 420 were survived from the tremor.
Bless them!
ABC, Shenzhen, China
thank you ,our friends ,as a Chinese ,I think we Chinese people can conqure the diaster.bless! we'll get through it !
dahui , Langfang, China
I believe that our govment could do well with the earthque with the whole peple. We hope this catastrophe passes as soon as possible.
song, shi Jiazhuang,
g.mc arder, Belfast/Drogheda, Ireland & N.Ireland
Yes, I believe China has done what it can, including persuading Myanma to let in aid workers. Even Chinese aid were unloaded by Myanma soldiers. China has no right to pressure Myanma. V can only hope they help the victims directly and fast.
Lim, Johor Bahru, Malaysia
Thanks very much indeed to all of you who are concerning about this disaster.
Thank you! We, Chinese people, are much appreciated for your concern and support!
Ling, Manchester, UK
I saw a live TV broadcast from a Chinese website saying that 30 British tourists in Wolong were got in touch and were not injured.
Hope this will be helpful..
Ling, Manchester, UK
It is confusing for foreigners. Mianyang is a district, perhaps half the size of wales though far more dramatic geographically. There are 6 million in the district. Mianyang city is has almost 1 million people. It has people dead but most reported as fatalities in Mianyang are in the district.
Ralph J, Mianyang,Sichuan, China
I sympathise fully with China on the Earthquake but I feel also for the Burmese people who also are "HUMAN". Now I know China has sent aid in, but what I'd like China to do which they haven't really done so far, even before this tragedy, is persuade Than Shwe to let the aid worker's go into Burma!
g.mc arder, Belfast/Drogheda, Ireland & N.Ireland
I've been to mianyang several times, it was a vibrant city with technological industry + education and relatively good quality bulding stock. BUT about 10% of its population are missing or dead. My otherhalf's appartment there is damaged, so thank god she was in relatively safe chengdu at the time.
Rob, Swansea, UK
Southwest China is notorious for its earthquakes. While it's sad that over 10000 people have lost their lives, It's good to see that the authorities are well equipped to handle it to avoid a repeat of the death toll in Tangshan back in 1976.
Alasdair, London, UK
Before we criticize China again, perhaps we should consider the speed of their reaction to this awful event.
Compare this to the lack of speed and care for the people of New Orleans (by the US govt.) in their hour of need.
leila , manchester, uk
Tragedy follows another and natural catastrophes are becoming frequent events. Surely it is too much for us to take it. My deepest sympathy for China and its people.
J. Mathew, London,
Having read through the comments here, I feel really indebted to the people who have showed their concerns and support to my country.
ManyThanks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Forest , China , China
My grand parents fled to Sichuan following China's Nationalist govt ( my grandpa was then a very high level govt official) when Japanese bombed Shanghai during WWII. They lived there for many years before returning home. They told me Sichuan is a beautiful place. May God bless Sichuanese people!
Zheng, London, UK
I wish you best luck and warmest sympathy. When a similar disaster hit my country (Turkey) I was there and therefore I can understand how terrible this can be. God help you and inviting people to donate as much as they can to help people in China.
fikret, istanbul, Turkey
I am utterly astonished at the comment by Mr Fintan McConville below. I wonder what kind of demonisation of China and the Chinese made Mr McConville so brainwashed to be literally capable of giving so coldblooded a saying, at this devastating grief of a nation. So horrifying the obduracy of mind.
Chris Y, Beijing,
I cried reading this. To know that this many people (especially the young ones) died due to this horrific earthquake.
With all these tragedies happening, its like god is punishing us. I really feel for the Burmese and Chinese, they are really suffering. Hope there are more survivours found though.
Matthew, Cabrammatta, Australia
"Why weren't these materials offered to Burma?"
China has made a great deal more effort to fix situation than the Burmese, especially since they have actually co-operated with the West in solving this issue.
I'm no supporter of China (for other reasons), but I believe they have reacted responsibly.
L.C.G, Sydney, Australia
my poor motherland,l love you!whatever you meet,l will be back you!
li wen lu , zhuhai, china
"Why weren't these materials offered to Burma?"
John - you're uninformed. Beijing has sent tonnes of aid to Burma/Myanmar already - it's just not as good a story as the refusal of US/UK aid.
http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2008-05/09/content_6673964.htm
David, Beijing,
I'm a student,In this matter, I am very sad, I really do not know what to say(Google Translate)
Alexander, Panjin,Liaoning, P.R.C
I've been to Sichuan when i was a young boy. It's hard to believe such a beautiful place is in a mess now.
Actually i'm planning to find a job in Sichuan when i graduate from university recently. This earthquake can not stop my dream.
I'll pray for the people who trapped in disaster area.
Yuan, Nanjing, China
Fintan, you just couldn't resist could you. In recent years China has shown great concern for its citizens. China's more like a strict dad who can't be rebelled against because it doesn't like to lose face but deep down cares much for its children. But who will understand that side of the culture?
Angel, London,
Why does the world hate China so much? John Sinclair of Dundee - shame on you.
Jason Pearse, Sydney, Australia
Our government is gonna to send 15th Parachute, which is the top troop(fast response troop), to parachuute at Wen Chuan county! I am confident of their power!
Bing, London,
Send me out there to help if you want to I have safe hands you could trust me in this sort of situation.
tony, HULL CITY,
I feel so sorry that China is in the great disarster now. However, with the lead of our Government and the joint effort of our people, we definitely will get through.
sunny, suzhou, China
Contact the Foriegn Office details will be on there website.
Dean, Southampton, England
I work in Shanghai on 28F of a building and the tremor was worse than when I was in LA in 1989 during the SF quake. While the government is doing what it can, the loss of life is going to be massive as the building codes are not of good standard nor followed/enforced with care. It's very sad.
Calvin Lee, Shanghai, PRC
Lisa Staples,
Contact the British Embassies in Beijing & Shanghai - they might be able to help you, & also call the number at the top of the article.
I really hope you can find some new, & good news at that. However, things can be chaotic in China at the best of times, so be patient & keep trying.
Karen, London,
God , Please give strength for all those who got affected by this earthquake .
prasanna, pisa,
to lisa:Where exactly are your parents when you last got contact with them? If it's chengdu then dont worry, because most people in Chengdu now are staying outside with guidance from PLAs. If they were in Wolong, you must have to wait, because rescuers are still approaching there.
jeffrey, London, UK
Thanks to our government headed by Mr.Hu Jintao and Mr.Wen Jiabao, anti-quake and relief work started soon after the quake occurred without delay.
Tian Qingyou, Tianjin,
im sure. china will definitly overcome from this
sahnewaz, sylhet, bangladesh
it's an enourmous earthquake i m from Turkey and we had an earthquake that's 7 point 2 it was horrible:(
Emre , Ank, turkey
Dear friends, we need your help now! Wherever you are, please try your best help the people in the quack, Thanks ~!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
bless`~
Holly Jiang , Wuhan, China
I have worked in the past in the Sichuan area and have fond memories of the warm hospitality and care of the people there. I am impressed with the swift reaction of the Chinese leadership to visit the area and initiate action. The world stands as one with China in the time of need.
Seren Thomas, London, UK/Hertfordshire
I have many friends in China, people of China are like family.
I hope they are able to save the people buried under debris
What has happened is a painful event. The Indian Government should keep aside its differences and help the Chinese in relief works. I will try to help via Chinese Red Cross
Vikram, Mumbai, India
what a pity !
sahnewaz, sylhet, bangladesh
One way to donate funds directly to the aid program is through the One Foundation which was set up by Li Lien Jie (Jet Li) to channel disaster aid for just this kind of emergency via the Chinese Red Cross. Just google for Jet Li One Foundation.
Paul, London, UK
Today, our entire school's students pay silent tribute.
I believed that sorrowful will pass
bony , guangdong, china
united, we stand. thanks for all the best wishes from people all around the world!
we will surely overcome this disaster, as long as we never give up!!
i firmly believe we will be blessed. come on!
Susan, ningb, Chian
My heart goes to the victims n the Chinese people. I am very confident China will overcome and recover quickly from this great disaster. Credit goes to the Govt. for its speedy response and 4 sending PLA personnel to the rescue.
Yes, I also pray for all foreigners caught in the quake.
Lim, Johor Bahru, Malaysia
Sadly!
Junick, Guangzhou, China
I feel so very sad for the hurt, poverty and despair that so many people are suffering at this present time, both in China and in Burma.
I will pray for you all.
Barbara, Hereford, U.K.
At first,I`m so sad about the earthqueke in China.I think all Chinese people will overcome this storm together,we can rebluid our hometown.
Thank you hot heart people!
Yuanzhenghua, Wuhan, China
Sympathy for the victims of the earthquake, especially the poor children. But do we need to see so many graphic photos of the people who are trapped underneath rubble?
Nikki, Leeds, UK
Thank you so much, my dear friends, our Chinese will do our best to conquer the diaster with the bless of all people in the world!!!!
Joey Pan, Chongqing, China
An awful thing to happen. My hopes and wishes go out to the Chinese people. One thing that struck me on the news was how well prepared the authorities appeared to be.
kirk, Rotherham, UK
We Chinese are strong people.
No matter what confronts us I'm sure we shall overcome!
Erine, Zhejiang, China
I spent 3 weeks in your lovely country in March--visiting Beijing, Shanghai, Wohan, Chengdu, Yangtse Gorge, Guilin, and LiPo River valley.. I am so sad that you have had this awful, earthquake, and send you all every Good Wish for a successful ouitcome.
You are a strong people, you will win!!
Bill Armstrong, knaresborough, UK
My thoughts and prayers are with all the people of China. My deepest sympathy to all who have lost loved ones. I Pray The Almighty Father will send his Angels to those who are still buried in the rubble and comfort them until they are found. God Bless you all.
Sharon, Newcastle, South Africa
My deepest sympathies to the Families who have lost their near and dearest members. I pray that the Almighty gives you strength to handle such a grim situation. To the Premier of China , the Government and the people of the Country, my Prayers are with you.
Deepak., New Delhi., India.
it's so sadness for me to see more than 300 child dead bodies layed on the ground through the website.
pray for chinese will conquer the disaster.
bettywang, dalian, china
[State-run] China View: "YICHANG, Hubei, May 13 (Xinhua) -- The Three Gorges Dam…was in normal operation despite Monday's [7.9 Richter Scale] quake…." "The dam was designed to withstand quakes up to 7 on the Richter scale...."
Distance Wenchuan to Ychang: 1,000 kilometers.
Good Luck. China!
Laurence Tenney, San Francisco,
John Sinclair of Dundee wrote:"I see the Chinese have lots of materials to help themselves. Why weren't these materials offered to Burma?"
FYI, Burma has accepted aid from China, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, India and charities such as Save Children Fund but has refused aid from Western govts.
Yang, Shanghai, China
surely our people will win the war against the great disaster!
I am in the disaster area now,but not many people feel scared,more of them,however,begining to do everything they can to help others shows our they are very strong
god bless my country!
wei xu guang, xi'an city, china
Experts say that the energy released form the quake was 252 times stronger than combined nuclear bombs of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. God bless Sichuan !
Dr. Wang, London, UK
God bless you all
please pray for the poor people in china
Kuda, southend, UK
I'm in Chongqing, 300 miles away from the epicenter. we have felt the earthquake wave, but everything is ok. I'm really moved by the volunteering people. Many young people in our company asked to donate blood. And we called the local Blood Bank to ask a group donating.
Christina, Chongqing, China
The receiver told us with excited and moved voice, he said many many people and units called to ask a group donating. I never expected people can do this. And many people donated money to the redcross.
Christina, Chongqing, China
My wife and I met and travelled with a Chinese lad in Italy [Tuscany] recently - we hope and pray he is well. He was going back to China at the end of last week.
Sad news !!!!
Ian Payne, WALSALL,
My heart goes out to all those who have suffered or lost loved ones as a result of this event, and those in Myanmar too.
I always try to hope that at least some good will come out of even the greatest disasters, it is hard to see what it may be at the time, but it is still my hope.
James, London, UK
At last some good decisions by the chinese,by taking a fast response to such a crisis to help those affected but I can't help thinking that the spin doctors and ministers of propaganda are using this tragedy to promote an image of caring for its citizens which is a useful distraction to human rights
Fintan McConville, Rathfriland, N.I
Chaos often breeds life,when order breeds habit.
Every little wholehearted help is the most importance for saving more lifes.
s leung, scotland, uk
God bless my country and all the innocent people!I pray for them sincerely !
Austin, Guangzhou, china
I see the Chinese have lots of materials to help themselves. Why weren't these materials offered to Burma? So much for the great China that the Chinese seem to believe in. Sadly the Chinese people all over the world look at all things "China" through rose-tinted glasses, it's time they took them off
John Sinclair, Dundee, UK
I am shocked and profoundly saddened to watch the devastation of the earthquake in south western China. We were in Chendu only 5 month ago visiting the Giant pandas at Woolong nature reserve and the stunningly beautiful mountain sceneries. Great to see China responding quickly . So sad.
Anil jowaheer, London , England UK
i am very saddened to see this tragedy, one after another...
i am hoping that the hurt,devastated can cope thru all this.
i am heartbroken that so many have died.... but the chinese government did answer very quickly to the calls of its people
that is very commendable.....our hearts are wid you al
nathaniel fernandez, seattle, u.s.a
I fell sorry for every single life that lost in this earthquake. For some time I've tried not to worry about my people in the distant land by building a mental wall that assure me I am no longer part of the problem. I wll do whatever I can to help these people
M0nkeyb0y, Sydney, Australia
Bless to you all!
jiucheng liu, beijing, China
Readers would obviously like to be kept informed about foreign aid arriving in China. According to the article, "The foreign ministry said that it welcomed offers of international aid".
Joan Moira Peters, Whangarei (UK Citizen , temp o/seas in NZ)
good luck for my brothers and sisters!!
xueke, shanghai, china
All the people are innocent.They should have not suffered this.God bless them,bless those who are rescuing the people,bless my motherland and her sons and daughters.pls...
Roger Hu, Quanzhou, China
It is an enormous quake, causing such a big loss. Earthquake precaution system still needs impoving. With the help all around, these earthquake-striken areas will come through the disaster soon, which I strongly believe.
caoliyan, Jinhua, china
I would just like to express my sympathy to all those affected by the earthquake and congratulate the Chinese government on its quick and effective response, I hope the Burmese Junta are feeling shamed as China shows them how a government should respond to a such a disaster.
Michael, Nottm, UK
If you wish to donate but cannot access the Red Cross Society of China website, the British Red Cross has also set a webpage for a China Quake Donation.
Someone mentioned that it's possible to donate blood: could you please pass on more info? Where about here in Beijing?
Luca, Beijing, China
I was so shocked to know about the quake in my homeland. it is poignent to see so many people devastated...I feel awlful that I am not able to go there and help out by my own hands. Wish the victims and rescuers all the best and I shall do all I can. W e can get through it. Yes, we can.
Cai Guo, Beijing, China
It is a enormous quake, causing such a big loss. Earthquake precaution system still needs impoving. With the help all around, these earthquake-striken areas will come through the disaster soon, which I strongly believe.
caoliyan, Jinhua, china
Kudos to China for its quick reaction to the disaster
Jerry Scroggin, Phoenix, Arizona/USA
more information contact helplines???? how do find out if family are ok?
my mum and dad are in the area and i need to know that they are ok. They were touring seeing the Pandas. Chengdu/Wolong
i cant get through to their hotel......in Chengdu.
lisa staples, Portsmouth, Hants, uk
i feel so sorry and sad for the people who were hurt by the great disaster. i wish i were on the spot to do what i can to help them. i am moved by the rescuers. i still have the confidence that our great china, our great chinese people will undoubtly comeover it.
little july, zhuji, china
Brave and courage, we will get throught it! Pray for my countruymen, pray for China! I love this country!
marie, Beijing,
Bless for my country!I'm sure we chinese people will overcome this disaster.
Believe our country..
Lindsay, Wuhan, China
To all who believes in God, please pray for the people of China.
Nora Lum, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
This was really a shock for all the chinese people!
This year China has already been confronted with a lot of chanlleges, but fortunately she has done well. This time i believe with the 1.3 billion people standing together and helping each other, she can also make it.
Best wish for sichuan,!
YuAina , jinhua, China
I am overwhelmed with sadness for the poor people of the Schezuan province who have been badly hit by this earthquake. I was in Chengdu a little over a week ago, and now I am praying for success for the rescue teams, and for the relatives and friends who have lost their loved ones.
Jonny, Orlando, US
I am British and in Guangzhou, China at the moment. I am glad that China is accepting all the help that is offered and I am shocked at some of the rather hurtful things said about the Chinese people. This Nation has had more than its share of natural disasters this year but the people are resilient
Derek Beardsall, Guangzhou, China
We have such a devoted premier, we have 1.3 billion countryman, we have full confidence to conquer this diaster.
Jason Xue , Xi`an , China
So sadding when I heard about this,but we should face the fact and try our best to help those people whose in troubles.I think our goverment can lead us to through this tragedy.GOD BLESSING OUR CHINA.
BEST WISHES FOR ALL OF PEOPLE!
Jack, guangdong, China
It is very sad to hear this disaster and people who suffered in this natural disaster mainly are minority ethnic groups like Tibetan. Hope the China's government rescue all people that suffered ASAP. Bless China
Peter, London, UK
oh~NO,
beckham, livepool, wigan
bless our motherland !
maple, jiangxi, china
Believe Chinese People!
Beelieve Chinese Government!
Calmness and Braveness will help us conquer every difficulty!
Carter, beijing,
May the almighty Lord be with the Chinese. What's really touching is the response of China's primier Wen Jia Bao, who devoted himself to the frontline as soon as he noticed the outbreak of the disaster.
Andrew, Beijing,
Ms Jane Macartney , thank you for your excellent coverage and hard work.
I'm not in my country, but i feel the pain, I pray there is less death.
For people who want to help, please log on Red Cross Socity of China, they have started a Quake Donation, but the site are very slow at the moment.
Chi Zhang, Swindon, UK
Believe our government.
Ben, Nanning, China
bless! we'll get through it !
bob, nanjing, china
Pat - who typed your sick thoughts in for you ?
Matthew - Cork is in the Eire not Northern Ireland - they've had peace for quite a while and obviously some genetic problems !
Andy, New Plymouth, New Zealand
See, that's why it is shame for westerners to lecture others about "human" rights. So you should get the jobs but chinese shouldn't? You get to waste oil but it's wrong for chinese to buy oil? Now i don't feel bad for whoever died in ireland potatos famine, you know, just millions less wasting oil.
alan, beijing,
Nice matt. Turn a tragic story into an excuse to knock ireland. You should learn to ignore the pat's of the world.
aine, dublin,
My thoughts and prayers are with those affected in China.
Pat of Ireland, I hope your Guinness factory falls on your head.
Miguel, Hobart, Australia
Bless for my country! All the colleage students like us will donate our blood for the disaster areas. I have done it this morning , i hope i will do some help to the people needed.
Weiguang, hefei, China
Yesterday at roughly 2 pm I felt dizzy, then realized it was the earthquake when my co-workers told me about it. Here in Beijing it was rather mild; I had no idea it was so bad. I hope the death toll ceases to mount at 8700. I also hope the Chinese have all the help they need.
Anthony, Beijing,