Earthquake survivors: Life in temporary houses

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Source: CCTV.com | 05-10-2009 14:02

Resuming a normal life is a long-term process for the earthquake survivors in Sichuan province. One year after the quake, life is still not easy. CCTV reporter went to Yingxiu town, the epicenter, and to see how the people are doing.

Resuming a normal life is a long-term process for the  earthquake survivors in Sichuan province.

It's a special occasion that's neither a festival nor a performance for tourists. The Qiang people are one of Yingxiu's ethnic minorities, and they have their own way to make life happy.

Tang Li is getting married tomorrow. Many of the dancers are her relatives who live nearby. At this moment, they seem to have forgotten what happened a year ago.

Tang Li, Yingxiu resident, says, "this is not an organized activity. Some are practicing for a dance competion in a couple of days, and some are here for my wedding."

But generally, the night life in these modular houses is much quieter than before.

Xu Zhaoqun, reporter and Li Wei, cameraman, say, "the people in Yingxiu have to stay in these temporary houses for another few months until their new houses are completed some family would spare one of the rooms to let. This is a good business when more and more media people are coming over."

Mr. Tan is my landlord. His daughters live at school. The rent of the girls' room is now the couple's only income.

Mrs. Tan, Yingxiu resident, says, "this part of the fridge is broken, but it still works, and so does the washing machine. We have learned to put up with it."

reporter: "Where is your new house being built?"

"Just over there, across the street."

Room charges in such a place can't be high. This is our room, with seven beds, twenty yuan each, but no receipt.

Morning in the modular houses isn't busy. Unemployment is a big issue now, because the quake totally destroyed the local businesses. Though with the assistance from far and near, the basic necessities aren't a problem.

Each community has public bathrooms and kitchens.

Zhou, Yingxiu resident, says, "the water and power supply is ok. "

Tang Li's wedding goes ahead as planned. And before the ceremony, they take photos at what remains of the house that had been especially built for them.

Chen Jian, bridegroom, and Tang Li, bride:

Bride: We want to remember it. After all, it used to be our house. Damned quake, we never got to see it.

Bridegroom: We both worked outside Sichuan and should have come back last year.

Bride: My parents built it.

One year after the earthquake, life still hasn't come together for the people of Yingxiu. Their strong will is probably the only thing which wasn't damaged, and their pursuit for a better life will never stop.

Editor:Qin Yongjing