A MAG 7.8 earthquake occurred in Chengdu today at 2:28pm or UTC 06:28:00. lyrrael, an American volunteer living in Chengdu reports the earthquake at twitter. Will also writes about his experience in his blog.
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My family had an F/E student from Chengdu and we are concerned. How bad was Chengdu hit? Damage?
Hello there,
How close are you to the epicenter of the quake? I work for NBC Nightly News w/Brian Williams in New York. We are looking for survivors to interview.
Do you know anyone or would you be able to talk to us?
Thank you,
Amanda Ingersoll
NBC Nightly News
212.664.4971
My dad lives in Chengdu. He is American, 64 years old, married to a Chinese citizen. He emailed me that he and his wife are uninjured but have no water or gas. I will ask him if he is willing to be interviewed.
Thank you, Shana - pleas pass on my contact info to your father: 212.664.4971 or if you provide his number I will be happy to call him.
I just survived earthquake, avalanche and landslide in Mr. Siguniang. We were on horse back hiking on a scenary trail when everything happened. I was the last registered tourist to retreat to safety. Avalanche stopped only 50-100 m from where I survived.
Jianqiao,
So happy to hear you made it out alive. Is there any way I can reach you by phone to talk to you about what you survived?
Amanda Ingersoll, NBC News
For those with friends or relatives in Chengdu city proper, please do not be too concerned. The earthquake was significant, but did not cause any major damage. We have not heard any reports of serious building collapses, only injuries caused by masonry falling. Earlier, up to about 9pm, almost everyone was outdoors, but most have now returned to their homes. There are still quite a number who would rather remain outside and are ‘camped’ out in parks or by the rivers, sleeping on mats, quilts or blankets grabbed from their houses. The phone systems are overloaded by the volume of calls, so again don’t be too worried if you can’t contact someone - just keep trying.
Hi. My father lives in Cheng du with his girlfriend who is a chinese citizen. He is a teacher there. We are all very concerned. Does anyone know how to communicate with anyone that would have news or a list of survivors or anything of that nature?
We are trying to contact my stepson Ben Hunter who worked at the bookworm in Chengdu
Thank you all for your calls - however, we’re done booking interviews for tonight’s broadcast. Our thoughts are with everyone there and those with family in the affected areas.
Amanda
My grandparents both live in that area of Chengdu and I just read a report about thousands being killed or injured. Is it really true that most of the people in the city are unharmed?
Dear Sir/Madam Just Now I come to know in Television. I love a girl very much, who is Chinese and stay in Chengdu near Xinnan Road. I will be happy if anybody can inform about that place. Still not know the clear idea that Chengdu got affected by Earth quake or not so much.
Please please let me know.
SHIBLI
Yes, very few people in Chengdu city proper are feeling any pain except for lack of sleep. Many people are either going to the countryside or sleeping outside in order to avoid the danger of a building collapse on them should an aftershock occur in the middle of the night. Pictures of people sleeping outside - and having fun in the face of adversity - can be found at:
http://www.mychinamoto.com/forums/showthread.php?t=181
It’s now 4:46AM in Chengdu and people in my building just got “alarmed” over what may have been a minor shake.
Good luck to all in the area and sleep tight wherever you are!
Carl (in Chengdu near the South Train Station)
My family is Cheng Du and was wondering if there were any recent updates to internet / phone services coming back up in that area? Or any information regarding CHeng Du aiport re-opening. Family was supposed to fly home tonight or very early AM.
Jim Fullerton
just to let you know the bookworm is only about 300feet from my home if he was there he is fine. the damage in our area of chengdu is not bad only some cracks in walls and no injuries to speak of. I am also an american teacher living in chengdu.
Hey, I’m from Canada and was studying here in Chengdu while it happened! It happened during my tai chi class and the roof started falling, then I was stuck in the field at Sichuan Normal University for hours, because there’s never been an earthquake here so no one really knew what to do…we slept in the badminton courts at our university and felt small aftershocks all night the at about 430 there was a bigger one and everyone freaked out…dunno if that helps…ciao
holy just got another aftershock
My son is a teacher in Chengdu. Apparently, internet access is now available. Please, if anyone happens to see a 6 foot 2 American young man with blonde short hair and a goatee named Dan Eelman….please either tell him to contact us, or give us word of his whereabouts. Thank you
Pam
I have visited Chengdu and loved my time there. My heart goes out to the people. We also visited the Panda institute/”zoo”, and I am wondering how they fared.
My dad is saying his internet access is fine there, have received about 5 emails from him since quake and he is in Chengdu. He says the quake was bad but not lethal there. As far as he knows only building collapses and/or deaths are about an hour from him closer to epicenter. Even air conditioner units that sit perched in windowsills did not fall. Still no water or gas. No idea how long until those things will be in order, that worries me most.
Amanda, my dad says he is willing to talk about what he is seeing over there. His email is joe@archsync.com and his name is Joseph Parker. Phone calls may not be possible from what I understand.
Amanda, my father will talk to you when his phone works. Email him first at joe@archsync.com–his name is Joseph Parker. I understand you are done with tonight’s news, maybe he can give you something for tomorrow. I appreciate you trying to contact people living there. I am having a hard time breathing right now just thinking about my dad being in the middle of this. Thanks, Shana
Stephen,
You asked about the Panda Breeding & Research Centre: The news reported that all is fine. They were interviewing one of the members of staff there and she said that they felt the quake quite severely, but that that there was no damage or injury (including to pandas).
I was in Chendu less than 6 weeks ago, staying at Sims Cosy Garden. I am concerned about Allen Sutterfield Enlish teacher at Sichuan University. If anyone has contact with him please post any information.
Here in Chengdu, we didn’t sleep last night. Felt minor aftershocks almost the entire time, the widest spacing perhaps about 30 mins. There were also some more noticeable ones, one around 4:30am lasted for about 10 seconds and another at about 8am a little shorter. Our quake resistant building has quite a number of cracks, particularly in the stairwells. With the severity of the tremor that we felt, I really expected there to be much more damage to the typical 7-storey concrete frame and concrete plank floor apartment buildings. Had the epicenter been even a little closer or the quake a few points stronger, the situation in this city of around 8 million would have been very different!
I’m so glad to hear that people at Sichuan Normal University are okay. I just met a bunch of students, professors, and doctors from there at a conference in Beijing this past March.
I survived the 1989 San Fransisco earthquake when I was a student at UC Santa Cruz. We also slept outside and experienced after shocks for months afterward. And that one was only a 6.9! My thought and prayers are with everyone in China who is scared and suffering tonight.
Christy (Dai Re Di)
The government warned Chengdu residents that there could be a sizeable aftershock today at around 2pm. Most people heeded the warning and stayed in safe areas - it came at 3:10pm and was the biggest jolt today. However it only lasted for around 10 seconds and was nothing compared to yesterday’s 2-3 minute tremor. All schools and universities here are closed as a precautionary measure and it seems that university students have been told to sleep outdoors. That was fine last night, but the temperature has dropped and it’s been raining heavily all afternoon - many people are in for a long, cold, miserable night!
I had a class of students from Chengdu that came to Vancouver, WA. I am worried about them. If anyone has info about these kids please post it. They would be in university by now.
For many hours yesterday afternoon and evening, people were staying outdoors in Chengdu. Most seem to have gone inside now. However, It seemed that elderly folk (especially those in wheelchairs) stayed put on the grass. Some are started to spread sheets etc on the grass. There is generally an air of calmness in the mid northeast of the city where I am.
I was about to start teaching in a university on a 3rd floor classroom when the earthquake hit Monday afternoon at 2.25pm. The seven storey building was shaking. Most severely damaged were the lower floors. The greatest danger was falling pieces of ceiling and loose or open windows. All the campus buildings were safely evacuated. Chengdu people being what they are, were happily sitting in the streets and eating outdoors in the warm yet mild weather.
Deaths that occurred would presumably be in unstable or old buildings. Chengdu doesn’t usually experience windy conditions, so this eliminates the effects of flying debris associated with similar calamities , such as cyclones or hurricanes.
Classes have been cancelled for three days.
Cheers
Warren
Was Leshan hit hard?
We are planning to visit Chengdu on a student trip in June. Do you think that we could bring anything, in our luggage, that would be helpful to people in the region. Books, linens, tools? We are not a relielf agency, but want to know if there is some small way that we could contribute.
Warren - were you teaching at UESTC? I taught there in a partner MBA program in the fall of 2006. If not, do you know how it is there?
Mike
does macau affected with the killer earthquake in china…?
im worried with my fiancee and his family…
can you give me answer..
thanks alot!
Hi, my name is Yang. US Citizen traveling in China. Now I am in Qingdao which is eastern part of the country.
I want to find a volunteer work in earthquake area and trying to find a way. I was hoping if anybody can help me to arrange this… I will be ready in a week…
No macau is far away…
RESPONSES: 9 & 15
The Bookworm is business as usual. Their phone number is 86 28 85520177 Email:chengdu@chinabookworm.com
Anyone else needing to contact people in Chengdu, firstly try phoning any landline numbers that you may have. The
international code for China is 86. Chengdu area code is 28 or 028 if calling from within China.
RESPONSE 14:
Hi Wes ;-) Internet and phones are fine. Airport is open.
RESPONSE 24:
Allen Sutterfield regularly patronizes the Bookworm (details above) . Try there.
RESPONSE 30:
Hardest hit places were Dujiangyan & Mianyang in Wechuan district … northwest of Chengdu. No reports of serious problems in Leshan, south of Chengdu.
RESPONSE 31:
You are probably best to contact your local Red Cross and see what they are organizing. With one million people affected, it is hard to suggest what to bring or who to individually select as recipients. Cash is possibly the best form of donation at this stage.
RESPONSE 32:
Hi Mike, Yes. I am at UESTC. Everything is fine at the old Sha He campus on the No.1 Ring Road, and at the new campus way out of town. Classes cancelled for the moment. Waiting to hear if we resume tomorrow (Thursday 15th).
RESPONSE 33:
Macau is down near Hong Kong, so don’t be too concerned. Chengdu is close to Tibet, a long long away from Macau.
Two days after the earthquake, the Sichuan capital city - Chengdu - is calm, though some aftershocks are still being felt. Many people have been donating blood. In the affected provinicial areas northwest of Chengdu, Premier Wen Jiabao is on location, fifty thousand soldiers have been deployed, and the China central government has given this disaster highest priority.
Cheers
Warren
To the concerned family wondering about their son at Bookworm Chengdu. According to Beijing Bookworm - everyone at the Chengdu Bookworm is FINE. They are accepting donations (http://beijingbookworm.com/) at the Beijing location.
They are asking or:
TENTS
DRIED FOOD
PRACTICAL CLOTHES
QUILTS
EMERGENCY BLANKETS
MONEY FOR WATER AND MEDICINES
Our friends at DHL will ship all collected donations to The Bookworm Chengdu on Saturday 17th May.
(P.S ** The cities/ areas I am very concerned about is around Aba - as they are isolated and cut-off via destroyed roads.)
The massive Dujiangyan Irrigation System is structurally cracked, and that potentially poses a major problem. Two thousand Chinese soldiers are working to plug “extremely dangerous” cracks in a dam upriver from the earthquake-hit town of Dujiangyan. One American engineer friend who fled Dujiangyan the day after the earthquake told me yesterday that if the dam bursts, it would be like a tidal wave hitting the surrounding area. Chengdu would not necessarily be very safe either.
Meanwhile, expats down in the provincial capital (Chengdu) are preparing to start the upcoming weekend early and party party party in the name of charity and fundraising at places such as the Bookworm.
Warren, thanks so much for your detailed info. My dad is in Chengdu and I think painting a slightly rosy picture for my sake. He says the 20 story condo he lives in has cracks all over the walls and is “probably not strucutrually sound”. Have you seen a lot of structural damage there in the city? I know it is a large place…I had been wondering about that dam and any damage it may have sustained. My prayers go out to all of you there.
Shana,
The reported number of deaths in the Chengdu area is around 1000, but this probably extends to rural areas outside the city proper. With a population of 10 million, I think we could say that Chengdu came through remarkably unscathed.
There are few visible cracks in buildings when walking around at street level, but if you look close up you can find many small ones at building ‘joints’. Most damage was indoors - falling ornaments, lamps etc.
Chengdu is pretty much back to normal, so please try not to worry too much. Internet service has been continuous. If anyone you or anyone else may be in contact with, feels that s/he is okay, then that’s the main thing.
There are regular updates on television in Chinese & English, so residents are being kept well-informed. All emergency services are highly capable and mobilized here. The government has thrown all its efforts into preserving life and preventing further casualties. Last I heard, over $US100 million had already been committed domestically to the relief effort. Supplies and food relief are being flown in from various sources.
I’m heading to the airport very soon for a prebooked business trip to another province. Apparently, planes are running to schedule. I should return to Chengdu within say 36 hours.
Schools are closed until next Monday.
A 20-storey apartment building is not likely to have been structurally affected. Modern buildings in Chengdu are all rated at M6+ and the magnitude of the quake here in Chengdu was M5+.
One point less on the Richter scale means 10 times smaller and 32 times less energy released.
Our 7-storey building is rated at M8, but there are still cracks.
I have just come back from Chengdu airport. There’s a lot of people waiting around, and a number of flights have been cancelled, particularly to lesser known destinations in China. Planes are still coming in and out. Delays and cancellations could well be due in part to the priority given to other planes carrying relief aid onboard.
My own flight was cancelled. One option was to re-route through Beijing or Shanghai, but then I would have had to wait for who knows how long, as well as pay extra to get to my original destination. The simplest option was to get China Airlines to stamp “cancelled flight” on my tickets so that a full refund can be obtained from the travel office in Chengdu. If need be, I can think about alternative flight dates later on.
Bus and other vehicular transport is moving freely in / out of the airport. However, do expect lengthy delays (even cancellation) of flights for the next few days. Chengdu city streets appear a bit quiet by normal standards, but traffic in some areas, such as the computer markets, is congested as usual.
The university I am at, has advised that there are no classes until next Monday. Now that it is three days since the actual earthquake, no classes until Monday represents a week off. More students have started to return back to their homes to be with their families in provincial regions.
Otherwise, all is fine. Young Chinese, quite possibly students, are standing on corners and at pedestrian crossings collecting donations for the International Red Cross Society.
I am very concerned for my son and 16 other students that are in Beijing until Fri. Night and of which are traveling by train to Chengdu, Sichuan University for classes. Should they even try going there and if so what conditions are to be expected at the university.
I believe there are many Tibetans in Chengdu. I am worried if they will get help from the Chinese. To all those foreigners there, please help the Tibetans also. Thanks.
SEARCHING FOR JOHN ARCHER SR TEARCHER @COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY IN CHINA…PLEASE ANYONE KNOWS HIM OR KNOWS IF HE IS ALIVE PLEASE WRITE…THANK U!!!!!!!
We are in Phoenix Arizona in USA my dad is teaching english @ College or University in China His name is John Archer Sr. not sure his exact location. nformation we recieved from him was through a messenger service months ago and i cant remember name of school or town….We are worried sick ANYONE with any information please let us know ….thank u
Discription:60-70 years old
hair color: silver
facial hair: sometimes short siver beard
height: 5′6-6′0ft
build: medium
teaches @ school in China approx 2 years is from phoenix az
GLoria Jean,
My family lives in Chengdu near the Unvieristy, and I was able to speak with them this morning. From what they have told me, apart from the obvious problems of some being displaced from their apartments, things seem to be getting back to normal in the City itself. A lot of the fears of the dams breaking, damaged apartments, poor water quality, etc are being aleviated and they feel quite comfortable for now. As for as ground travel goes, I cannot speak for that. I have been very concerned for my family and wanted them to come home, but as of this morning, they said they really feel quite safe in the City, and they have even ventured out to drive around and do some inspecting. I hope this helps. I certainly feel better after my conversation with them this morning.
Gloria,
They will find Chengdu city and the the Sichuan University operating as normal. Some things like gas station lines are disrupted in the city but most things are normal.
Carl
Tenzin,
I feel so sorry for many people (regardless of their ethnicities) who are affected by the earthquake. They are in my prayers. The Chinese relief workers, soldiers, police, firefighters, doctors, nurses, and civilians pour their effort into rescuing these victims. All you do is sit around and complaining. Please have some compassion will you? Offer some help such as donating money or blood.
I have to LOL about your comments. People that act like you want independence? again sorry for LOL, I know I am NOT suppose to laugh, but your comments is just beyond ignorant!
Please you are so naive and delutional, Sichuan is home to 53 minorities, all you care about is tibtans! How selfish are you????? Foreigners traveling in China need the Chinese relief teams’ helps, they do not have the tools or anything to help themselves, how can they help others. God help us locate all foreigners and help them to safety.
Thank you very much Wes and Carl Parker for your responses. May all of the victims and your families get the help that is needed.
@LVKLIMEK:
You don’t know the city where your father teaches and you haven’t heard from him in months? You’re not even sure how old he is or how tall he is? I would suggest that you contact each US embassy and consulate in China to see if he has registered there. US citizens are advised but not required to register with the nearest embassy or consulate while living abroad.
If somenone American name is “John” what would his Chinese name be.
does the name “john” have a translation to chinese language??i hear alot of people saying my name is …..my chineses name is ……
Sorry its my friends dad and he does not have computer so i posted as if i were him…i guess it all sounded strange u are right my apologies…I know he teaches english at a college or university in Chengdu. He is married 1 year ago to woman he met there in chna…last i spoke with him he told us he LOVED china he would onl come home to states to visit but that China was were he felt @ home.
His name is JOHN ARCHER he is 65-70 and has silver/white hair and neatly manicured beared…..
Your story still sounds strange, LVKLIMEK. Your friend would know exactly how old their father is and how tall he is.
As an update to this thread:
Relief efforts here are massive. If I understand the numbers correctly, the government has allocated a huge amount in terms of finance and resources, but even that is dwarfed by the amount given by private individuals and companies. Tens of thousands have volunteered to help in badly affected areas. MANY truck loads of blankets, quilts, food, medicine, milk and bottled water have been collected, repacked and shipped by the Chinese red cross, with a huge amount of help from student volunteers.a
People of all ages have peen queuing for hours, often in the pouring rain, to donate blood.
Immediately after the main shock, once news of the badly affected cities and towns reached Chengdu, over a hundred taxi drivers set off to help the injured and carry them to hospitals. This was their own idea and was coordinated via text messages. The number quickly increased to well over a thousand.
Military and cargo flights coming in to the city airport and local military bases have been almost continuous for the last two days. The news shows teams well equipped for search and rescue, including dog handlers, besides the tens of thousands of troops. Earthquake and structural engineers are on the scene from Beijing and and many other cities.
The government has instructed all hospitals to give priority to victims and has allocated the finances to ensure that this happens.
Fleets of ambulances have been bringing victims into Chengdu’s hospitals, mainly the top class Hua Xi hospital.
Even though the rescue and relief operations are massive and well coordinated, PLEASE GIVE GENEROUSLY through any channels that are available to you. The suffering will go on long after the rescue operation is over.
I want to adopt an orphan from the Sichuan earthquake tragedy regardless whether they are tibetans, hans, muslims, or other Chinese minorities.
I saw the chubby, and some pink-cheeks babies on TV, they are little adorable angels, it breaks my heart to see them without parents. When I see the kids, I forget about race and ethnicities differences.
Let’s donate money and/or blood to Myanmar Cyclone and China Sichuan earthquake victims.
I feel so sad for the victims and their families. I can not imagine the pain suffered by these victims.
We are planning to visit Chengdu in early July, staying at the Crown Plaza Hotel. Does anyone know how this hotel made it through the earthquake, and will Chengdu be ready for tourists by then?
My thoughts and prayers are with all of those in the area hit by the earthquake.
We have a friend Jim Courtley who teaches at No 7 Middle School, Chengdu, any information as to his safety greatly appreciated. Thank you Hao Min for your updates.
I have no specific information about the Crown Plaza, but generally Chengdu is back to normal already. The city was not badly affected and most of its residents have now returned home and to work. Many schools reopened on Thursday after all buildings had been checked for structural damage. Most buildings had been inspected two or three days after the quake - imagine how long that would have taken in a ‘western’ city of several million. They would still have been wondering how to start!
Most everything in Chengdu city proper is fine..hotels and all. It’s the towns in the mountains which got hit hardest.
Props to HaoMin for the updates.
Carl
Most everything in Chengdu city proper is fine..hotels and all. It’s the towns in the mountains which got hit hardest.
If you’re interested in the geological data, click on my name above to see a map of the quake and aftershocks from the USGS data.
Props to HaoMin for the updates.
Carl
Tema,
I don’t know your itinerary, but I am quite confident that by July most of the tourist places will be open, even at Dujiangyan and Qingchengshan, although at least one of the temples on Qingchengshan was badly damaged. The Wolong Giant Panda reserve may be difficult to reach because a great number of roads and bridges are damaged. Jiuzhaigou should be okay (you could always fly there if roads are affected). Leshan does not seem to have been badly hit, so the mountain & Giant Buddha are likely okay.
NOTE:
Anyone travelling to Chengdu should be prepared for mild aftershocks - even in July. They are a little disconcerting - like walking on a ship or a rope bridge - but please don’t let that thought put you off the idea of coming here, The people are wonderful and the sights, scenery and food, fantastic.
The shocks are gradually reducing in frequency and intensity and generally following the trend after a major quake. We stayed in our apartment during the main tremor and have slept there every night since (the building just rocked as I typed that). The chance of another ‘big’ bump is statistically VERY small.
Thanks Hao Min. I appreciate your taking the time to give us an update. My grandson was really looking forward to seeing the pandas in Chengdu, so I’m glad he won’t be disappointed. My best wishes for a speedy recovery from this terrible disaster.
Tema,
The Panda Breeding & Research Centre on the outskirts of Chengdu and the Moon Bear Sanctuary do not appear to have suffered, so there should be no problem there. If you want to see pandas, the research centre is a great place to do it without a long, tiring journey: highly recommended, as is Wenshuyuan (temple) in Chengdu. If you are not on a ‘packaged’ tour, let me know if you need more ideas.
After raising the death toll from last week’s earthquake to nearly 32,500, China will observe three days of national mourning from Monday 19th May 2008, with flags flying at half mast, public entertainment suspended and a three-minute silence to mark exactly one week since the quake, the government website http://www.gov.cn said. State television said the Olympic torch relay through China would also be suspended for three days.
This toll free phone number can help U.S. Citizens find the status of family members who are in the earthquake region in China, 1-888-407-4747. This link provides more detailed information, current as of May 16,2008
U.S . State Dept. Updated China Earthquake Info
this may sound incredibly selfish but I am due to come to chengdu on holiday next friday….is it still worth coming? will my holiday be ruined by not being able to se the things i want to see and go the places i want? i am coming to see a friend but obvoiusly want to see as much as i can. is it a bad time? i am so sorry if this sounds shallow but obviously coming from the UK this trip involves a lot of money and if its better to postpone then i will. maybe i can do some aid work while im there for a day or two? or is it just not worth it?
Hi Kati,
Chengdu seems to be on high alert at the moment. There has been TV & radio reports of another pending earthquake. Last night, people were officially instructed to stay outside. I’m at at one of the universities in Chengdu. Even the foreign affairs office phoned around warning the foreign teachers in their apartment building. I came back inside around 4am. There could have been some small tremor/s sometime while I was sleeping. We have been informed this morning that classes for today have been cancelled.
Hard to say what to do in your situation, but it could pay and be wise to err on the conservative side and postpone your visit.
Cheers
Warren
The European Union Chamber of Commerce in China’s latest newsletter is linking to the British Government foreign office
[QUOTE AS FOLLOWS]
Still current at: 20 May 2008
Updated: 19 May 2008
This advice has been reviewed and reissued with an amendment to the Summary and Natural Disasters (earthquakes) section (Chinese media are reporting increased seismic activity in the same part of Sichuan Province that was affected by the 12 May Earthquake). The overall level of the advice has not changed but we still advise against all but essential travel to Sichuan Province.
We advise against all but essential travel to Sichuan Province. On 12 May 2008 an earthquake measuring 7.9 on the Richter scale struck south-western China, 92 kms northwest of Chengdu, the provincial capital of Sichuan Province, causing significant damage. There have been over 32,500 confirmed fatalities and you should be aware that on 19 May 2008 Chinese media reported increased seismic activity in the same place as the earthquake on 12 May. British Embassy staff are assisting British nationals in the affected area; if you are concerned for relatives and friends you should call the Foreign and Commonwealth Office on 0207 008 1500.
If anyone is planning on coming to travel in Chengdu itself, you will be alright. It gets safer as time goes by and as long as the airport is open, don’t worry. So far no power, water or gas interruptions in most parts of the city. Some people have been displaced from their buildings but none in the city center have collapsed and the newer buildings (where most travelers would be staying) are usually up to snuff.
Although things seem a little crazy it’s actually an interesting time to experience the city. The tourist spots might be less crowded so it may even be more enjoyable. Won’t know unless you find out.
Carl
Kati,
If I were you I would still come here. What does your friend in Chengdu say?
After a bit of chaos last night, when the government issued a warning of a potential for an aftershock close to the original epicentre, things have calmed down again, but many people are still choosing to sleep outdoors in parks or by the rivers - just in case!
The government later ran a discussion on TV, summarising that aftershocks are not likely to be like the mainshock and that Chengdu is not classed as being in the aftershock damage area.
ctd.
The warnings were really intended for those living in buildings weakened by the mainshock or closer to the originial epicentre. Although only about 50 miles from Wenchuan, only a handful of old or weak buildings in Chengdu suffered any real damage.
We were in our apartment when the quake occurred and have slept here every night since, despite having an apartment in another area well outside the affected area.
There are plenty of tourist places in Chengdu that are open as usual and many others in nearby towns, such as Leshan’s giant buddha.
ctd.
Be prepared to alter your itinerary and check with each place you plan to visit outside Chengdu before you set out. Some places that you are unlikely to be able to visit are
Wolong Panda reserve, Dujiangyan (irrigation system and temple), Qingcheng Mountain and Sanxingdui.
Unless you are making a very long visit, around Chengdu has so many places worth seeing that you will not be short of choices.
ctd.
If you want to do something to help while you visit then the best suggestion would be to donate cash to the Chinese Red Cross, or blood if you can’t spare the cash. If you have free baggage allowance then a tent (new or used) would be a very useful donation.
I am curious about how the buildings in Chengdu, and the other cities within a 60 km radius of the quake, were inspected and cleared by experts in engineering/structural safety within a couple days. Hard to believe. Now Hao Min, this is not an affront to Chinese society nor its ability to properly handle this disaster. It is my guess that with tens of thousands dead, hundreds of thousands injured and/or homeless and in need of food, water, shelter, medical attention that there simply has not been time, ability, personnel, etc. available to do thorough inspections. I am also guessing that with the coming days, weeks, months, that many buildings will be determined uninhabitable due to structural damage, especially with aftershocks compounding the issue. Please tell me I am wrong and offer some evidence.
Additionally, it is very hard being here, wishing I could be there to be of service to those in need. I am an RN and would love to be of assistance. I may be there soon.
I apologize for the inaccurate number I gave earlier. I understand it is being counted as around 5 million homeless by the government. Staggering and horrific.
Me & my wife are planning to go to Jiuzhaigou in 4 weeks. We have planned this trip for over a year. Should we change our plans and cancel Jiuzhaigou? We will be flying from Chengdu but all flights are cancelled? Does anyone know how long the flights will be suspended?
It’s probably best to check with the airlines or your travel agent direct for flight information.
What happened to Sichuan Normal
University.
Trying to trace English National, teacher there, named
Sharon Kelly.
To Hao Min and Crazy Carl, thank you for your dedication to the facts. In the US we get only the soundbites, no details. This is the first disaster I have experienced on line. Well done, both of you.
We have been asked to postpone our visit to Chengdu in June. Our plans were to bring college students and conduct a workshop for Chengdu University. We have NO WISH to be a burden on our hosts while they have to deal with the emotional and physical damage of the earthquake. I am a disaster survivor too, and I well remember that the uncertain future is just as tumultuous as the actual disaster. While we would desparately like to help, I know that this is no place for guests. Looking forward, we hope to be able to visit in about 6 months time. Please continue with the updates. Is there an opportunity to ‘adopt a school’ or sponsor events for families? We want to organize a fundraiser for the relief efforts. Any suggestions?
My thoughts and prayers go out to our friends in China.
We have business with a company located there and wish them well.
There’s actually more than one campus of Sichuan Normal University in Chengdu. The east campus is very new and solid. Seeing as Sharon Kelly is an English national, then you could try contacting British Consulate which covers this region of China:
Consulate General of the United Kingdom
of Great Britain & Northern Ireland in Chongqing
28F, Metropolitan Tower, Zou Rong Lu,
Yuzhong District, Chongqing 400010
Tel: +86-23-63691500
Fax: +86-23-63691525
E-mail: chongqing.consular@fco.gov.uk
Consulate Area:
Chongqing, Sichuan Province,
Yunnan Province, Guizhou Province
British Embassy staff are assisting British nationals in the affected area; if you are concerned for relatives and friends you should call the Foreign and Commonwealth Office on 0207 008 1500.
http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travelling-and-living-overseas/travel-advice-by-country/asia-oceania/china/
The 5 million homeless earthquake victims at this point are urgently needing tents.
I donated money that hopefully will buy a dozen camping tents.
Shana,
I am certainly not affronted, since I am a British engineer simply observing what has been going on here.
I did not state that inspections had been thorough, or carried out by experts. Nor can I comment on what happened outside Chengdu, but here teams were sent out to inspect the structural integrity of buildings (hospitals, schools and government buildings seem to have been first) with clear instructions on where to check and what signs to look for. Our private area of 39 families had been given this inspection before the end of the second day. I suppose that if a suspected fault were found, that properly trained people would be called in.
Ctd.
I doubt that any cladding or non-structural parts of buildings have been removed to allow detailed examinations. However, I am very impressed with the way wheels were set in motion.
I know that it probably seems hard to comprehend the above checks happening in parallel with the search, rescue and relief operations, but manpower and bureaux to coordinate these types of functions are not in short supply here. To a large degree, life in Chengdu returned to normal the next day and millions of people got on with their jobs.
Ctd.
Although only less than 50 miles from the epicentre, we in Chengdu were fortunate to escape the worst effects of the earthquake. The city lies in a basin, the ground and substrate of which apparently reduced the intensity (it can work the opposite way). Cities such as Dujiangyan, Beichuan and Wenchuan did not share the same fate; in some areas 80-90% of buildings were flattened or beyond repair – many in the first 10-15 seconds. Landslides and road damage instantly cut off the more remote towns and villages, later mudslides caused by blockages from landslides brought further danger. In an area with sheer mountains and roads cut into the hillsides, there is little wonder that it took several days for help to reach some communities.
Ctd.
There has been some criticism on the reluctance to involve foreign teams in the rescue operations. Some responses that I completely agree with have been: -
Adequate manpower was quickly available, although there was a shortage of heavy lifting equipment.
An obvious language barrier would have slowed operations. Even the Chinese authorities failed to communicate with some casualties because of dialects.
A reliance on high-tech listening and gas detection equipment can slow down a larger scale search operation because they require everyone else to stop.
China places a very high importance on the safety of its foreign ‘guests’ - more to worry about in a very dangerous area would have redirected their resources away from essential work.
Traveling to China in August. Would like to do anything I can to help during that time- is there any volunteering work that could be done? I’m an english teacher & was a healthcare assistant and my friend is a doctor. If we could help in any way, though it is a few months away we would very much like to.
i’m travelling to china in august.
i was planning on catching a train from kunming to chengdu and then on to beijing.
does anyone know if this is still possible?
Who knows, what temples in QingChengShan was damaged?
I was there undo 2008-04-15.
Many people on here are so kind. After Jack Cafferty said “chinese were goons and thugs” I almost lost faith in Americans. It’s nice to know that there are still many rational and warm-hearted Americans and others out there that we are not aware of.
Cheers!
Knights’ applause of Americans is very touching but hey this is just so NOT about how great some other nation or nationality is. Have a good look over the pond dude. Many Brits such as Hao Mins have been doing their bit too in the here and now even if he does post multiple entries simultaneously. It must be hell over there in the bunkers sending out short messages and codes to the world. This is about world unity and sorry to say its not being led by foreigners but by the Chinese government NOT about feel good self-gratification.
Alexander,
I may be riding to QingChengShan soon to help a friend retrieve a motorcycle. I will try to take some pictures and post a link here.
Knights,
There’s good people everywhere, the question is what kind of people do we surround ourselves with that makes the difference.
CC
Carl Parker,
Thank You, I will awaiting your photoreport.
Alexander et al….
We made and photographed the trip to ChingCheng Mountain this past weekend. Everything looked under control although the damage was impressive to say the least. Refugee tents have been set up and look okay. Not much activity in the area.
Check this link to visit the Earthquake thread for an overview of ChingCheng mountain:
http://www.mychinamoto.com/forums/showthread.php?p=1635#post1635
If you want more info and pictures, follow the link on the Earthquake thread to the full ride report.
Thanks!
Carl
Family members and friends unable to verify the safety and welfare of U.S. citizens in the affected area should call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the U.S. and Canada, or from other areas via a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. U.S. citizens in the area are urged to monitor the local news. Those residing or traveling in China are reminded to register with the U.S. Embassy or the closest U.S. Consulate, either online at https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs or in person at U.S. Embassy Beijing or at one of the following consulates:
U.S. Consulate General Chengdu: Number 4, Lingshiguan Road, Section 4, Renmin Nanlu, Chengdu 610041, tel. 86-28-8558-3992, email: consularchengdu@state.gov. The U.S. Consulate in Chengdu is open for full consular services and is assisting U.S. citizens in the region.
U.S. Embassy Beijing: No. 2 Xiu Shui Dong Jie, Chaoyang District, tel: 86-10-6532-3431, email: amcitbeijing@state.gov. Embassy’s website: beijing.usembassy-china.org.cn. U.S. Embassy Beijing can be reached 24 hours a day at 86-10-6532-3431.
U.S. Consulate General Guangzhou: 5th Floor, Tianyu Garden (II phase), 136-146 Lin He Zhong Lu, Tianhe District, tel. (86-20) 8518-7605 or 86-20-8121-8000; email: GuangzhouACS@state.gov. Guangzhou adoptions email: GuangzhouA@state.gov.
U.S. Consulate General Shanghai: Westgate Mall, 8th Floor, 1038 Nanjing Xi Lu, Shanghai 200041; tel. (86-21) 3217-4650, email: Shanghaiacs@state.gov.