Six months after the earthquake

(Chinadaily.com.cn)
Updated: 2008-11-13 17:18

Wednesday was exactly six months after the May 12 earthquake that killed more than 80,000 people and left five million homeless.

The grey skies added to the sadness. Six months ago, this school had lost three teachers and three children in the quake.

On the site of the ruins, people planted a commemorative tree.

Six months later, the memory is still fresh and the wounds still hurt.

An exhibiton includes photos and videos that show rescuers and survivors from the quake was opened in beijing to commemorates the deadly quake.

A memorial park also opened on Wednesday in Qingchuan county, one of the worst hit regions. The park was designed and funded by Zhejiang Province, which has been helping the county with its reconstruction. Future projects are also being taken into consideration.

Shen Xingna, director of Qingchuan county tourism bureau, said, "Next we will build a memorial museum and a museum for simulating quake conditions. We want everyone to remember the disaster and this period of history."

And as people remember the victims, reconstruction is well under way. In late September, the first group of rural residents were able to move back into their new houses. Fortunately, locals' lives are gradually returning to normal.

Tears are in the past, and hope fills the future.