5-12 Memorial

I was walking through Cathedral Square today, at around 5:30pm. Conquest of Paradise by Vangelis was playing through a powerful set of speakers in the back of a van parked near the Cathedral. I was drawn to the group of people who were now gathering around ...something, I couldn't see so I went up closer. Candles in clear plastic glasses were being laid out on the tiles of Cathedral Square. A memorial service for those who lost their lives in the terrible earthquake of Sichuan, China on 12 May this year. And an opportunity for us to show our support for those who survived, to stand beside them as they attempt to rebuild their lives.

"The death toll from the China earthquake has reached 60,560 and could rise to 80,000 or more, the Chinese government said today." - Guardian

I was handed a candle of my own. A sober-faced young chinese man pulled out his gas-lighter and lit it for me.

Two young Chinese people stood by the microphones. The man addressed the crowd in Chinese, followed by a translation from the woman. The stilted English made this even more moving than it would otherwise have been - the heartfelt message coming through strongly, despite the many grammatical mistakes. After being given an overview of the situation, another lady was invited to take a microphone on the steps at the base of the cathedral, and deliver her "mourning speech". This was a heart-rending speech - and if I knew Mandarin I'm sure I would have let a tear or two escape. The volume was up very loud and the pained voice of the speaker echoed from the surrounding buildings.

The size of the group grew, and I looked around me at my Chinese brothers and sisters. I was one of the few "white people" present. It must be so hard for them, they're here, and there's not much they can do to help, they're so far away from home.

When Minister of Commerce, Lianne Dalziel took the microphone I decided it was time to head home. I handed my candle to a man standing at the back of the crowd who hadn't managed to get one, and deep in thought, made my way to the bus exchange.

Chengdu Earthquake, an Inside Look

I received another email from my friend in China, offering a chilling insight into the devestating earthquake which has just taken place in Chengdu, China.

"...form the day before yesterday to today we nearly sleept a couple of hours , because our dorm was damaged a little and we fear others dangerous

unknown countless earthquake will happen soon, , so we spent the endless night in our playground and badmiton hall (siince the rain became extreamly heavy ) . we dare not to sleep , each possible tiny shake of the earth made us run out of form the buliding we hiding , some people get a little hurt from them including me..

my hometown was badly damaged ,many people died even including our vice mayor ,since any supply had been cut down in our hometown,,I cant contact with my dad , and i m worride about him.

I know I shoulnt complaint too much,comparing with many other people , im lucky enough , my best friend's friend 's all of her family (9 people)died .she is the only one alive.

during the time we spending , we can do nothing but waiting , darkness, sleepless , hopeless and hlepless. i still remember the suddenly strong shake of the building where we had a class in at that moment , our teacher shouted to us "RUN !JUST RUN!"we dashed outside and we began to lose banlence......."

And an excerpt from an article at www.globeandmail.com -

The 7.8 magnitude quake, centred in Sichuan province, struck in the middle of the school day yesterday and toppled at least eight schools. Chemical-laden factories and at least one hospital collapsed, trapping hundreds more, state news media said.

The death toll appeared likely to climb in China's worst earthquake in more than three decades as troops struggled on foot to reach the worst-hit area of Wenchuan, some 100 kilometres from Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan province...

..."Not one minute can be wasted," Mr. Wen said. "One minute, one second, could mean a child's life."

The rescue team (picture)