OPINION> Commentary
Warm winter for them
(China Daily)
Updated: 2008-11-13 07:47

The symbolism behind the opening of the first commemorative relics park for the May 12 Sichuan earthquake yesterday is self-evident: the nation will remember the heart-rending disaster forever. But it does something else, just as important. It reminds us that we should go all-out now to guarantee a safe and warm winter for people in quake-hit areas. Just as we did six months ago to save lives.

Thanks to united efforts from governments and society, reconstruction work has been carried out in full strength and the life of people in the affected region has returned to normal.

The investment plans unveiled by the National Development and Reform Commission on Friday for post-earthquake rebuilding again come as a blessing to local people. Some 167 billion yuan ($24.45 billion) will be poured into rebuilding basic infrastructure.

We have reasons to believe that new towns and cities with better public facilities will soon emerge from the ruins, and the survivors will embrace an even better life in the near future.

Nevertheless, with cold winds blowing across the country, we now need to address the immediate concern of helping people in the affected areas face this winter with warm shelter and clothes.

The past six months must have been the longest and most difficult time for survivors of the Sichuan earthquake. They have had to live through the pain of losing their beloved ones and their homes. Without assistance from the outside world, this could be the cruelest winter for them. Even in normal times, winter is a bitter season in Sichuan without a heating system.

Millions of Chinese citizens have responded enthusiastically to appeals for donation from various circles. But it is reported that the local social relief department is still in urgent need of 800,000 quilts and 700,000 sets of warm clothes. In Beichuan county alone, more than 120,000 people are facing the threat of winter cold. Many residents live in tents built in summer.

Luckily, local governments have vowed to speed up construction of up-to-standard permanent houses so that more residents could move in new homes as early as possible. This must bring some warmth of hope in this cold season for the people out there.

But the whole society has to rise to the challenge once more. Help is needed again to show that the entire country not only remembers but also cares.

(China Daily 11/13/2008 page8)