CCTV-9: Nothing will ever be the same

Life after Wenchuan quake: Nothing will ever be the same
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Source: CCTV.com | 05-24-2008 10:04
Special Report: Strong quake jolts SW China

Ten days after the quake, people are trying to put their lives back together. But nothing will ever be the same. The direct road to Wenchuan is still blocked, so rescue teams must take a detour from west to north to reach the area.

CCTV reporter Han Bin took his own route to Wenchuan to see how the people there are coping.

To reach Wenchuan now, you need to travel for over a whole day.

Roads conditions are still bad, and there's always the danger of falling rocks.

And this is Wenchuan now, where some 40,000 people used to live.
Xiang Shimao, head Wenchuan Anti-quake Command, said, "Many new buildings in the county government areas have not collapsed, though they are damaged. This is one reason people here have managed to survive."
But most of the buildings can't be used. People have to make do outside. Over ten days after the quake, they're looking to support themselves again, some by selling goods.
Li Chenggui and his wife Zhao Shuyou have been doing business for three days. Though things are still flat, he's confident life is getting better.
Li Chenggui said, "The building can't be used. I have to move out and sell some small goods to make some money."
Most survivors depend on food aid. Xie Fuqiang showed me how each family on the list gets the same amount of relief materials.
Xie Fuqiang said, "These materials come from the government and donations."

Like everyone else today, Zhao Wenguo's family got instant noodles, biscuits and orange juice. They have nowhere to cook, so the five people in his family rely on these rations. The assortment is different every day. What Zhao wants more than anything else is to go back to home, and start a new life. But he's not sure how long he'll stay in the tent.

Han Bin, CCTV reporter, said, "Wenchuan is where the country government located. When the quake struck here, it blocked all three roads linking Wenchuan to the rest of the country. Telecommunications were also cut, isolating Wenchuan from the rest of China."

Only 2 kilometers away from the county center, the traditional wood and brick farmers' houses lie in ruins. In Guo Zhupu village, nearly every family has lost someone.

Tang Xiaojing lost his mother and a sister in-law. He's still trying to come to terms with it.

Tang Xiaojing said, "I still could not believe that my mom has passed away."

Tang Xiaojing has no idea what the future holds. His biggest wish now is to rebuild his home. He knows nothing can bring back his loved ones, and life has to move on.

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News & Politics

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• Chian
• earthquake