Emergency medical aid continued Wednesday night in quake-hit Dingri County, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, to assess victims' health and provide assistance after a powerful earthquake on Tuesday morning.
A 6.8-magnitude earthquake jolted Dingri County in Xigaze City at 9:05 on Tuesday, causing at least 126 deaths and injuring 188 others.
At a relocation site in Changsuo Township, Dingri County, where 329 affected people have been settled, members of the national medical emergency response teams visited each household to check on their conditions and provide targeted medical treatment.
Since most of the affected people speak Tibetan and do not understand Mandarin, local rescuers also acted as interpreters to help the medical team better communicate with those in need of help. "Our rescue work faces many challenges because of language barriers and the lack of knowledge of the habits and customs of the local ethnic group. Therefore, I hope there are local comrades familiar with these can give us some support," said Zhu Wei, a team head.
During their nighttime visits, medical rescuers not only provided physical help but also offered emotional support to earthquake victims who were still suffering from the shock of the disaster.
"Everything will be fine, don't worry. Please contact us anytime you need help. Our medical post is in the resettlement area. If you need help, come to us anytime, and we'll also come back for more visits," Zhu said to a 77-year-old villager.
In addition to medical workers, all parties involved in the relief effort, such as the police and supply transporters, have been working tirelessly late into the night with such dedication that made the chilly winter feel warmer.
Medical aid for quake victims in Xizang continues late into night
