The deadly earthquake and its constant aftershocks have destroyed much of Maoxian County. But they haven't intimidated the people of the county. Supported by the central and local governments, they've begun their own rehabilitation efforts to save their hometown communities.

Working to build this shallow ditch is extremely difficult. The urgent repair work by armed police officers has been disrupted by falling stones.

Working to build this shallow ditch is extremely difficult. The urgent repair work by armed police officers has been disrupted by falling stones.

Armed Poloce officer Chang Jianmin said, "This ditch provides a water source for this village. The villagers rely on it to drink and do irrigation. We now have more than 50 people working to repair it. You can see there are unstable rocks above and steep cliffs below. The villagers are very worried since it is now the planting season. We are concerned about how we can restore their normal order of life."

The villagers now have to rely on manpower to fetch water from uphill to irrigate their crops.

Local governments have worked out a rehabilitation plan to resolve the problems. One of the initiatives is to adjust the local agricultural structure. Most of the villagers used to make a living by planting vegetables and fruits. But now the county government encourages the farmers to plant more crops, as well as raise domestic fowl to make a living.

(CCTV May 29, 2008)