Three rescue squads with cranes and bulldozers were involved in a grisly search for bodies. One of them was a group from Korea. They were grim and dejected. From far in the east they had traveled with their equipment, their dogs, and all their skills in the hope of finding survivors. Now they knew in their hearts that there was no chance of that.

 In Yinghua village – a colossal loss of life

On the way back down the valley, the wheel of a minibus sheared off in front us as it crossed the tracks of the railway. Since there was no room there for vehicles to pass, it brought traffic to a halt in both directions. While the owner struggled unsuccessfully to position his jack under the vehicle, willing volunteers appeared from all sides to simply lift it out of the way.

A moment of light relief, but it brought home how fragile the whole relief effort is. One minor incident could bring it to a halt. Another major incident does not bear thinking about.

(China.org.cn May 21, 2008)