Villagers in quake-hit areas of southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region have hailed the assistance and support of more than 10,000 rescue workers who were dispatched to Dingri County after a deadly 6.8-magnitude earthquake struck the area on Tuesday morning.
The Changsuo Township was one of the areas most affected by the earthquake and its Tonglai Village, which has a population of nearly 500, has been left devastated.
Some houses here completely collapsed, while others were severely damaged, and nine people lost their lives in this community.
"We knew how severe the situation was because people's houses collapsed. There was dust everywhere. We helped the trapped people out of the debris and worked with the township government. We arranged ambulances to send those injured to receive medical treatment," said An Zhengfa, Party secretary of Tonglai Village.
The township government sent relief supplies including tents, quilts, stoves, and warm clothing to affected areas. Rescue workers also helped build temporary shelters and tents.
Resident Pasang Drolma, who lived alone in Tonglai Village, happened to be in another county when the earthquake struck her hometown, but now she has lost everything.
"I'm disabled. I's difficult for me to walk because of my legs. My house collapsed because of the earthquake. I'm heartbroken. But these rescue workers have helped me a lot, building a tent for me. I'm so grateful," she said.
More than 12,000 people including firefighters, military forces, and policemen have spared no effort in carrying out rescue operations.
"We have been unloading the relief materials since this morning; so far, we have unloaded 35 tonnes of supplies. In the afternoon, we helped build the tents. There are 26 tents in this area, sheltering 260 people. We will also monitor aftershocks this evening," said Lin Daoyuan, head of China Mining Rescue under the Zijin Mining Group.
As of Wednesday, 187 resettlement sites had been set up, accommodating 46,500 people.
Xizang locals hail rescue workers' help
