China, we're sure, will triumph over tragedy

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(China Daily)
Updated: 2008-05-20 07:29

To pray for the earthquake victims, overseas Chinese in Paris light candles on Sunday night. Xinhua

Last Monday was very different for me as a foreigner living in Beijing. In that afternoon when we were given the instruction to evacuate our office building due to a tremor that was felt by some of our colleagues, I did not realize the magnitude of the situation that some people were undergoing at that moment.

It was when a workmate told me that this was because of a 7.8 level (now confirmed as 8.0 on the Richter scale) earthquake that just happened to the south of the country that I realized all the consequences that such an event can have on people's lives, particularly from the experiences that we have had in my country, where similar situations have caused a lot of personal and material damage through history.

This realization was strengthened when I had the opportunity to watch the news in the local and international media.

The Chinese national flag flies at half-mast in Tian'anmen Square yesterday morning in memory of the victims of last week's earthquake. AP

I want to express my deepest sympathies to the Chinese people and particularly to those that have been affected by this natural disaster. At this moment the best thing that most of us can do is give our sincere word of support to those that are working hard to get things back to normal as soon as possible, and actively participate in all these efforts that are being made to collect money and supplies for the ones that need this help. Every small help counts, the sum of all this small donations will make a huge difference for those that are in need at this moment.

Juan Santamaria, a Venezuelan living in Beijing

via e-mail

As a foreigner living and working in China for 15 years, I am deeply saddened by the devastating earthquake that has struck the country even as it is recovering from the damage brought by the snow disaster at the beginning of this year.

The pictures and stories in China Daily tell of the tremendous loss of life, of the immeasurable destruction, of the heart-rending pain and desperation of the victims.

However, these pictures and reports also tell of the courage of the survivors, and the heroism and untiring efforts of the rescuers. The quick national emergency response brought leaders, troops and civilians to the worst-hit places to bring hope to the scenes of distraction.

Here, I would like to convey my deepest sympathies for the loss of life and the devastation caused by the earthquake; simultaneously, I wish to express my sincerest admiration for the Chinese people who are all taking part, in one way or another, in the all-out rescue efforts.

Barbara Kieser in Zhanjiang, Guangdong province

via e-mail

Applauses should be given to the government's quick response

The terrible earthquake that hit Sichuan province is indeed devastating and catastrophic, it has claimed tens of thousands of people's lives and left millions homeless.

It poses a hard question and task to all the humans living on the earth, especially those who are vulnerable to the attack of earthquakes. Sometimes we cannot help wondering how fragile we human beings are in the face of the ferocity of a natural disaster.

Fragile though we may seem, we have done our best to show that we will not subject ourselves to the cruel disaster. We can gain some glimpses of hope from the response and actions of the Chinese public and its government.

After the earthquake took place in Sichuan province, the government responded quickly by mobilizing large numbers of troops to reach the disaster-struck areas to salvage people as best as they could, even though many roads were rendered inaccessible by the quake, and the rescuers' lives put at risk due to the precarious terrain there.

Penetrating media coverage and the transparent information flow helped people outside this region get to know the calamity instantly, subsequently throughout China. Donations of money and blood are getting underway in full swing; international aid is also forthcoming.

Moving stories of people who helped out one another in the quake-hit areas are emerging on a daily basis. A doctor who lost all nine of his family members worked three days without rest to take care of the injured ones commands the awe and respect from all of us. Such episodes are numerous ....

In times of difficulty, we have shown our best side as human beings: compassion courage, composure, strength and solidarity. Confronted with the ravage of nature, we have maintained our human decency, despite the loss of lives and the grief in our hearts.

I am convinced that with the advancement of human science and technology, we will be capable of developing and producing some solutions to counter and circumvent the ugly belly of nature.

Chen Xiaguang from Guangzhou

via e-mail

Sitting here in the quiet English countryside I look, listen and grieve for the Chinese people suffering as a result of the Sichuan earthquake.

As I listen to the news and look at the extensive TV coverage over here, my heart is heavy.

So many lovely people have been plunged into deep wells of sadness.

So too do I see much bravery from those involved in helping their people and neighbors during this sad time.

So too I admire the Chinese leaders for being there so quickly, leading the rescue efforts and providing not only their own physical assistance, but also showing that the Chinese government cares deeply.

I, and so many other ordinary English people, applaud the utilization of so many people and rescue resources to the cities and villages in Sichuan - especially when China also is providing support to those unfortunates in Myanmar at this time.

Our thoughts are with you all.

Victor Kent

via e-mail

In this grave hour of grief and mourning for the victims of this great disaster, my heart goes out to the brave people of China.

May your pain become easier to carry knowing that very many around the world share your sorrow and grief caused by this terrible event.

To the courageous people of China, I wish them strength and endurance. Although the disaster was dreadful and great, the Chinese nation's heart is infinitely stronger: you shall endure, you shall overcome and you shall rebuild the shattered lives of those affected by this calamity.

I offer my heartfelt condolences to the families of the many victims of the earthquake in China.

Vassili Kokkinias in Toronto, Canada

via e-mail

My mail box has been cluttered with e-mails from every corner of our universe inquiring about the safety of my students. Of course, they had their concern for the safety of yours truly but the e-mails displayed a profound concern for the safety of the Chinese people.

Members of my family in Egypt expressed deep sympathy toward their Chinese friends. Most Egyptians perceive Chinese as their friends. They have emotional connections with them. Individuals from both nationalities are very emotional by nature. They felt the pain and suffering of their Chinese counterparts as a result of the earthquake. My family and friends in Canada were saddened by the loss of so many Chinese lives.

All the criticism that was rampant in Western newspapers about the events in Tibet during the last few weeks disappeared and was replaced by sympathy toward China and its citizens in the face of the tragic earthquake that hit parts of Sichuan and resulted in thousands of deaths.

Today, newspapers everywhere allocated their front pages to cover the tragedy. All outlets of the media focused on informing the Chinese everywhere about the safety of their families and friends.

The Chinese government took swift measures to rescue those who are buried under the rubble. The Chinese premier immediately went to the areas that were hit the hardest by the earthquake. On the streets of every city in China, people were concerned and full of worries about their compatriots in Sichuan.

One may wonder about the reasons behind seeing human beings at their best during tragic events. Do we need a tragedy to feel human? Why cannot we attempt to achieve harmonious coexistence with one another?

As a foreigner who considers China to be his home away from home, my heart goes out to every family who lost a member in the tragic earthquake. I offer my condolences to the Chinese government and to all Chinese. As foreigners who live in China, we should show our gratitude toward the Chinese for opening their doors and welcoming us as their guests by offering all the help that we can muster, including moral and financial support for the victims of the earthquake.

People worldwide should ignore their ideological, racial and religious differences to acquire the generosity of spirit by extending a helping hand to their fellow-Chinese who lost dear ones in the tragic event.

As human beings, we could benefit from the valuable lesson that we should learn from the tragedy. Life is too short and it would be a pity to waste it on creating conflicts that would build walls of suspicion among us. All nations ought to unite in harmony to stand beside China in its hour of need.

Sava Hassan

via e-mail