Jiangxi earthquake aftermath

cctv.com 11-29-2005 09:30

In China's earthquake-hit province of Jiangxi, the State Seismological Bureau has set up monitoring centers to keep track of any aftershocks. Meanwhile, local authorities are trying to pick up the pieces, helping people return to their everyday lives.

The first priority of the monitoring centers is to keep the public informed.

Two days after a five-point-seven Richter scale earthquake hit the region, at least two hundred aftershocks were reported, though none were destructive.

Earthquake Bureau official said, "Aftershocks will continue for some time but it's not likely that another quake of about five on the Richter scale can hit again. We're monitoring the developments closely and will warn the public about any aftershock above four on the Richter scale."

Over the weekend, people have been camping out in open, scared to return to home. The government has already dispatched over six thousand tents and distributed basic supplies of food, water and medicine.

Local Resident, Ruichang, Jiangxi Province, said, "Naturally we still feel a little worried. But the government efforts have made us feel better. "

Security is being handled by police making regular rounds.

Police officer said, "In this area, we've dispatched over one hundred policemen. It's a good thing, because many households are empty and there're also materials stored for rescue and relief purposes, and we've found break-ins or lootings."

And it's back to school for students, in makeshift classrooms.

Not surprisingly, most classes opened with a lesson on earthquakes and self-protection.

Editor:Chen Zhuo  Source:CCTV.com