Stadium of refuge, comfort and hope

Liu Zhaoyi was a bit short of breath as he climbed the stairs to the Jiuzhou Stadium in Mianyang, Sichuan province, yesterday, carrying a box of yogurt.

The 67-year-old had spent more than 1,000 yuan ($140) on food and other daily necessities as he led his team - seven family members - to the stadium to distribute the food to some of the more than 10,000 people taking shelter.

"They must have suffered a lot," Liu said. "We will try our best to help them."