Volunteers bring warmth to quake-hit Xizang

Alimjan Haliq (L) inhales oxygen at a temporary shelter in Maru Township of Baqen County, Nagqu City, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, Oct. 26, 2026.

In the wake of the earthquake that struck Baqen County on Oct. 22, several volunteers rushed to the quake-affected zone to serve hot meals, sending warmth to those affected who are facing high-altitude cold in late October.

Among them was Alimjan Haliq, a volunteer from northwest China's Xinjiang. Knowing how difficult it is to cook at high altitude, he brought two pressure cookers with him all the way to the quake zone. Zhe Jiaxin, a young woman from Xinjiang, spent nearly 48 hours on a bumpy journey through multiple cities before finally reaching the epicenter. Abdu, who runs a Xinjiang restaurant in Lhasa, quickly rallied his friends, gathered supplies, and rushed to the disaster area. Their paths were different, but they converged on the snow-covered plateau for the same purpose.

"There is strength in numbers," Alimjan Haliq said, voicing the thoughts of every volunteer. Upon arriving in the quake zone, the rows of tidy tents and prefab houses, ample supplies, and locals helping one another deeply moved the volunteers. Zhe Jiaxin said with emotion, "I want to do all I can to help the children here feel more comfortable."

The unceasing cook fires and hot food from the volunteers did more than fill empty stomachs -- they let the affected people feel be cared and supported. (Xinhua/Tenzin Nyida)