China marks 1 year anniversary of Sichuan Earthquake

One year ago, Sichuan Province was struck by a devastating 8.0 magnitude earthquake. Thousands of visitors flocked to Sichuan province to pay their respects to the victims of the May 12th earthquake which killed over 80,000 people.

In Beichuan, a valley town totally wiped out by the 8.0 magnitude quake, family and friends gathered to light incense and ritual paper money to comfort the dead.

“I feel that this earthquake is not over yet, every time I see something related to the earthquake I feel like crying."
~ 20 year old XiaoYao who lost her brother and sister

“I feel so sad and heart broken and it hurts in my heart. I did not want to come back to this town. It brings back so many bad memories.”
~ 46 year old Xiao Caigui who lost over 30 relatives

The worst devastation was in Wenchuan where nearly 24,000 died or went missing and Beichuan county where 20,000 of its 160,000 residents perished in the quake.





Last year China hosted the Olympic games. It was also forced to deal paralyzing snow storms, worse than usual flooding during monsoon season (their equivalent of hurricanes) and oh yes... the most devastating earthquake in terms of power and damage since the quake which caused the Tsunami in few years back.

I think some credit is due. Good job China!