The Wenchuan Earthquake

Though the experience of starting a new job has been just as overwhelming as the adjustments to living in a different country, our three protagonists find themselves with a mix of emotions. Let's venture into their minds and see what they are thinking, shall we?

KELLIE - Much of the information that we know about the earthquake comes from our one English TV channel, CCTV. The news segments often show graphic pictures of the devastation and rescues. Experts are interviewed on the progress of aide efforts and personal stories of loss are told. They are heart-breaking stories and images. But I know the Chinese are strong and resilient people. It is difficult to fully comprehend the magnitude of this tragedy; we are quite far removed from it here in Tianjin. And though it denominates table conversations and all news broadcasts, it is difficult to transcend the language barrier. Our co-workers at the TJCDC are very willing to answer questions about it when we ask. Many people at the CDC went to university in Sichuan province. Several people from the CDC also visited Chengdu last year. So the CDC has many ties to that area. The people here, like all over China, are very eager to do their part to help with the aide and relief efforts. Last week one rescue team was dispatched and tomorrow (Thursday, May 22) morning a group of 20 more TJCDC workers will also do their part to help the people there. Their main objectives will be to help prevent the spread of disease. So far there have been no reports of disease outbreaks. More people from the CDC will go to Sichuan if and when needed. Everyone I have talked to said they volunteered to go help; people are eager and proud to do what they can for the relief efforts.

Because of all the current earthquake coverage, there have been many references to the earthquake that took place in 1976 in northeast China, not far from Beijing and Tianjin. The epicenter was in a city named Tangshan in the Hebei province. The city and much of the surrounding area was completely destroyed. Conflicting reports exist on the exact death toll, numbers range from 240,000 to 750,000, with even more people suffering from injuries and not to mention the loss of homes and personal possessions. In Tianjin, there is a monument dedicated to this tragic event. On our way back from dinner last night, we drove by the monument. Many people were gathered there and people placed flowers and other items in remembrance of this event and the earthquake in Sichuan. My thoughts are with our CDC’s rescue teams as they travel to Sichuan. But mostly I think of the people of Sichuan province and the people of Wenchuan, the site of the earthquake epicenter.

KEITH - The earthquake in Sichuan has been a pretty huge ordeal. It happened on the first day that we were in China and we were at meetings and such all day. When I finally got home and checked my email it was scary to see a myriad of messages from people I haven't talked to in years making sure that I was OK. Thankfully, Tianjin is a very long distance from the center of the quake and very few people felt it. Since then, it has absolutely dominated all news and talk within China, similar to the events of September 11th or Hurricane Katrina in the US. The images that we are seeing are pretty devastating, but the country's response has been pretty spectacular. Every TV channel shows a different telethon or images of citizens lined up do drop money in the donation box. Moreover, every single hospital or CDC that I visit immediately points out members that will soon be headed to the region to help with recovery and disease management efforts. The most moving part of the situation was on Monday, when the entire staff lined up at 2:28 pm (The number 8 has a special significance here) to have the Chinese equivalent of a moment of silence. At that time, individual horns began sounding in the street and a PA system that the CDC had set up started sounding. The sound grew into a near deafening concerto of car horns until every single horn was sounding. With the traffic here being as busy as it is, it was a pretty spectacular sensation. As the minute of recognition waned, people began filing back into their offices. Many people teared up and a couple of staff members came up and shook our hands. They seemed genuinely thankful for our recognition of their hardships. It is odd that cross-cultural differences seem to only fully be overcome in the wake of great tragedy, but it is a beautiful thing to see every nation in the world stand behind one.

JEFF - Even though it’s been more than a week since it happened, the images of the destruction from the earthquake still stick with me. My thoughts and prayers are with the people of China, especially those in the Sichuan province, but it’s a different feeling being a foreigner trying to piece together my thoughts on the situation. It makes me wonder what immigrants or other visitors to the US felt during 9/11 or Hurricane Katrina. It’s a little strange to realize that more often than not, tragedies usually bring people together; but no matter what nationality you are, compassion is a universal trait.
One of the things that surprised me the most about the Wenchuan earthquake was how quickly the government responded. The news was full of stories and montages about the efforts made my Chinese army, local people donating blood or providing support, and the various local CDC’s trying to prevent disease outbreaks and to ensure safe living conditions for the many displaced people. It was amazing to hear about the many miraculous stories of people surviving up to 195 hours trapped under rubble. And although I’m not sure what I thought I would see, the news has been a lot more open with their communication to the public than I expected.

The national three days of morning was also a moving thing to witness. Hearing the horns blast at 2:28pm, and realizing that this kind of thing was going on throughout the country was incredible. Everyone around me was moved by the ceremony, and talking to my Chinese co-workers, I could sense their eagerness to go and help out in Sichuan despite the dangerous conditions. Even after over 100 aftershocks, many with a magnitude over 5, every person in my department is hoping that they will be next to be sent to the epicenter. They told us a phrase that kind of captures this ideal à If your boss or superior asks you if you are tired, you are to respond (excuse the “spelling”): “Wei ren min fu wu” which means “I am ready to serve!”