Isolation smashed as rescuers build lifeline(3)

Mutual help

"As the saying goes, 'Misfortune tests the sincerity of friends'. We villagers are all helping each other right now. We constructed a simple, temporary stove on some flat ground and put all the grains and water in a large pan to cook porridge. We have also been boiling water for the elderly people and kids to drink," said Chen.

"About 10 relief workers in military uniform came to our village after the quake. We really want to thank them because they helped treat the injured. Later, a number of volunteers arrived, carrying water and food. They stayed for a couple of hours to help, she added.

"We have heard that a lot of relief workers have now arrived in the town. People say they have brought supplies as well. I hope they have enough to give some to us, because the food we have will only last one more day," she said.

Meanwhile, Yang Baixiu, 55, said her house was so badly damaged that even the strong metal door was buckled.

"We have more than 50 kilograms of rice at home, but unfortunately it's all on the top floor. The food we have is only enough for tomorrow's lunch, but maybe there are people worse off than us, and the rescue workers thought it better to help them? We just hope that, after they save those people, they will remember us. Most of the people in the village are children, women and the elderly. We can't get to the center of town to collect water and food. Please help us," she begged.

The villagers used broken doors and boards to construct a huge platform that acts as a bed for many residents.

The rescue workers also provided a large tent, the only proper one in the village. Its size means many villagers can huddle inside. The other inhabitants make do with hastily erected shelters, made out of bricks, wood and plastic sheeting, according to Yang.

"Nearly 50 people crowded into the tent to sleep, but many more have been sleeping outside. It often rains in Ya'an. Please help us by sending more tents. It would be terrible if the children and elderly residents got sick," she said.

Special report:

7.0-magnitude earthquake jolts Ya'an, Sichuan