Xizang quake survivors embrace warmth

Steam rising from pots simmering over fires and the cold breath of people huddled together in front of tents at -16 C gave the semblance of life returning to normal in Dingri on Wednesday, a day after the county in Shigatse, Xizang autonomous region, was struck by a magnitude 6.8 earthquake.

Children waited in line for a meal of eggs outside the temporary shelters, while older people tried to put to rest the memories of the disaster, which reduced more than 3,600 houses to rubble, claimed 126 lives and injured many more.

At a relief camp in Guring village in Dramso township, 55-year-old Sangye basked in the sun, holding a prayer wheel and chanting scriptures.

"Natural disasters can't be avoided. Although our house collapsed, my family was brought to a warm tent last night, and we were able to sleep," she said, thanking relief and rescue workers for their untiring efforts to resettle people.

Looking at a new stove her family received as part of relief efforts on Wednesday, Sangye added, "Tonight, we will be even warmer," as she folded her hands in gratitude.

Unfortunately, it was an uneasy night on Tuesday for Penba Norbu, deputy head of Dramso township. He recalled how he felt the strong shaking of his dormitory and noticed walls cracking before he ran outside. The township officials formed groups to check the villages.

When he arrived at Tsa village, Penba Norbu saw a child whose head was bleeding, some people with broken legs and those trapped under the debris of collapsed houses.

Six out of about 464 people living in the village died, but the others were rescued. When a series of aftershocks rocked the area, he sent out a notice on WeChat, reminding villagers to take care and report damage.

Penba Norbu said he felt relieved after the medical and rescue teams arrived, and the villagers were moved to temporary shelters. "There are enough tents and daily necessities. We can get through this," he added.

At a news conference held in Shigatse on Wednesday, Hong Li, director of Xizang Emergency Management Department, said about 12,000 people participated in the rescue and relief efforts, including public security personnel, the armed police, forest firefighters and the military. Together, they rescued 407 trapped individuals, he said.