589 dead as quake devastates remote China region

[daigong]

Survivors from an earthquake that killed 589 people in a remote area of China Wednesday faced a cold night without shelter, as rescuers using their bare hands searched for survivors.



Thousands were injured when the quake toppled mud-and-wood houses and school buildings in the northwestern province of Qinghai, but police managed to pull over 900 people alive from ruined buildings.

Many more are believed buried and forecasters predict wind and sleet in coming days, while seismologists warned of further aftershocks, adding to the trauma of victims preparing for a night in the open.

Among the dead were children buried when the devastating quake measuring at least 6.9 rocked the predominantly Tibetan region earlier in the day, in scenes that brought back memories of a massive killer quake two years ago.

Exiled Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama offered prayers for those who died while Pope Benedict XVI called for "solidarity" with the victims and nations including Germany, Japan and France voiced shock and offered help.



About 10,000 people were injured in the quake, which disrupted telecommunications, knocked out electricity, toppled temples and triggered landslides, hampering rescue efforts in the mountainous area.

[Tuffty]

My condolences go out to all of those who had deceased family and friends. Mother nature's pretty scary at times.

[daigong]

^ It's ridiculous holmes. 1,144 dead and counting.


1000s of Chinese Artists (CN, TW, HK) microblog-power for earthquake disaster relief


At 7.1 magnitude earthquake hits Yushu County of Qinghai Province, China. The news shook our hearts, there current death toll has rised to 617, nearly 10,000 wounded. A Hong Kong volunteer (Wong Fok Wing) for the local disaster relief was killed due to the buildings crushing in on him. The hero shocked our hearts, even the Mainland, Taiwanese and Hong Kong artists. Everyone expressed their feelings and sent their condolences through their microblogs, showing how united the community is. Many donated materials, money and sent blessings to the earthquake victims.

The big 7.1 magnitude earthquake hits the Chinese region once again, testing the power of love and unity. Regardless, people living in Hong Kong are blessed. The recent Taiwanese and the SiChuan earthquake two years ago are still fresh in Mainland artists memories. The heroic acts of the disaster relief volunteer (Wong Fok Wing) in saving others lives was named "Hong Kong Hero" by Gigi Leung on her microblog.

Thousands of Mainland, Hong Kong and Taiwanese artists expressed on their microblogs of the united spirit, no separation of power, constantly calling for donations, disaster relief activities and charities. Aaron Kwok and Lynn also did not avoid each other, working hard together in doing charity work. Miriam Yeung, Steven Ma and Jet Li paid their tributes to the hard working rescue team, hoping they can look after their own health too. Others who wrote on their blogs about the earthquake: Karen Mok, Andy Lau, Alan Tam, Myolie Wu, Janice Man, Michelle Reis, Kenny Kwan, Ivana Wong, Angelababy, Michelle Ye, etc.

Other facts:
- Twins plans to donate the money they earned from the concert to the disaster relief
- Anthony Wong donated 200,000 yuan
- Joey Yung donated 100,000 yuan
- Li Yuchun's Fund raised 1 million yuan

Source: Mingpao, Oriental Daily
Translated by: aZnangel @ AsianEU

Do what you can, there won't be a telethon from P.Diddy and Friends or songs by U2. Get to a Red Cross near you.