Editorials

Helping Chileans rebuild

(China Daily)
Updated: 2010-03-01 08:12

Our deepest condolences to the bereaved families and our sympathy to the victims of the 8.8-magnitude earthquake that struck Chile on Saturday.

We sincerely hope the Chilean people can rise to their feet and rebuild their homeland soon.

As a country that is still reeling from the fatal tremor that laid waste to the southwestern Sichuan province on May 12, 2008, China shares its grief with the South American country. The hearts of our two peoples share a tragic bond.

On behalf of the Chinese government and citizens, President Hu Jintao sent a message of condolence soon after the disaster to his Chilean counterpart Michelle Bachelet over the loss of lives and property. China's emergency relief assistance to Chile is underway. We believe the Chinese government will lend help and support within its capacity to Chile.

In times of natural disasters, we can only survive and recover from trauma by standing together. It is, therefore, gratifying to see that the international community has responded to this tragedy quickly by offering not only sympathy but also aid.

A number of countries and organizations have already sent relief and rescue teams to Chile. For the South American country to overcome the catastrophe and rebuild, more humanitarian assistance in different forms is still needed.

Let us extend our hands and offer our help to those in need so that we will be helped when similar disaster strikes us. We are, after all, the children of Mother Earth.

(China Daily 03/01/2010 page8)