Earthquake in Sichuan, an Expat's Perspective - Part 2 - Shanghai Expat

on Tuesday, May 20, 2008 - 01:44 PM AST - 1179 Reads

Earthquake in Sichuan, an Expat's Perspective - Part 2

Today, I have returned home to my place inside Chengdu's 1st Ring Road. Most shops are open today for business. Even my Suzuki dealership was open today and lucky for that because my radiator was pooched. There is some panic-buying going on of staple goods (especially bottled water) and most of the chain stores and supermarket shelves are becoming bare in the "drinkables" sections. Traffic is snarled outside the 2nd Ring Road as those people who slept in their cars for the past 2 nights are now returning to their homes.

Whether rumor-mongering or not; the locals believe that throughout history, disease breaks out after a natural disaster of this magnitude. People fear for the safety of the water and for the unidentified strains of bacteria and/or viruses that may spread from such a disaster. I think that is a reasonable reaction and that some basic precautions should be taken by the people in the area.

An open feeling of grief and sadness is in the air. Normally happy-go-lucky Sichuanese have truly felt the weight of the human toll in the countryside nearby the city. Many Chengdu people send their kids to countryside schools, especially in the hard-hit city of DuJiangYan; a popular weekend getaway town for city dwellers due to its natural beauty and mountain scenery. Indeed it is one of Sichuan's 5 UNESCO World Natural Heritage designated sites; three of which were hit hard by the quake; including the Natural Panda Habitat and the country's number one tourist draw; Jiuzai Valley.

Many foreigners in Chengdu, as well as from within the rest of China and other countries have offered to assist in the rescue and aid effort. Even with my relatively inside connections in the area; having been involved in aid projects in Mao Xian county, just a few kilometres north of the epicenter; it is not feasible to allow foreign aid workers in on the ground at this time.

The security situation, as we all know, must be controlled. China places a heavy emphasis on protecting foreign visitors; and yes, some may feel it is rather restrictive in nature; but that's the way it is. Local officials do not want to be held responsible for the safety of a group of foreigners in their area. For the Chinese, that is a heavy responsibility, believe it or not. Special preparations would have to be made to accommodate any foreign relief effort and because time is of the essence, it is best to let the Chinese get on with the task at hand.

They have indeed been quick to the scene. Given the terrain and the topography of the area; a faster response is all conjecture and hindsight. When there is an emergency; one huge advantage China has is man-power. And the rescue effort has thrown alot of man-power into the situation. That is why the best way for foreigners and foreign countries to assist is in monetary or hard-goods contributions. Once the area has been stabilized, there will be plenty of aid and relief opportunities for foreigners and foreign aid groups. There always has been in those relatively poor regions of Western Sichuan.

So, let's be patient and not be insulted or take offense. Chinese people do appreciate assistance given by foreigners. Of that, and from my 10 years of experience in this region, I have no doubt.

Anyone with a plan or requiring advice as to the best way they may contribute once the dust has settled, may feel free to contact me by PM. For now, I suggest donations to the major charities, such as the Red Cross.

Canadian businessman Matt Vegh has been in Sichuan for nearly 10 years. He is also a columnist/editor for the Chengdu Daily Newsgroup and Chief Editor of the Sichuan Travel Guide Magazine.