[May 16] All survivors cry

At 9:00 AM, Secretary Wang called on all survivors from the town government bodies to hold a meeting.

Almost four days have passed. All the survivors (30 plus) feel exhausted. Most of us are city dwellers, but we have to remain here because of the town's situation. No one is allowed to return to the city.

Secretary Wang walked using a crutch. I've never seen him cry before but today he talked and he cried. I listened to him and wrote notes with tears in my eyes as well.

He said, "Everyone has parents and everyone has a family. We've all been under almost martial law these days and we've all been under severe physical exertion. In the face of disaster, we haven't retreated. I am proud of you all; I also pray for the safety of all of your family members. I bow to you all!"

Everyone applauded. Men and women were all crying. Even though we all felt tired everyone retained good spirits.

At 10:00 AM, tasks were allocated to our leaders after the meeting.

Decision: Supplies have arrived here. Although materials are not as scarce as several days ago, we still have to conserve them. Food has to be distributed to villagers as soon as possible. The financial office is required to keep accounts and record all supplies and expenditures. Each allotment requires a traceable route.

In the afternoon, a group of unkempt people arrived – survivors escaping from Yingxiu. Hearing this, Secretary Wang immediately arranged some food and drink for them.

[May 17] Phone vibrate

11:00 AM. People were organized to build toilets in suitable places far away from drinking water sources. We don't want Longchi, a scenic tourist area, polluted due to any improper post-disaster disposal. Under the town chief's leadership people were organized to disinfect villages.

4:00 PM. The first generator began to generate electric power.

4:20 PM. The phone vibrated and a short message was received; we finally had signals. Secretary Wang took the phone and called the municipal Party secretary, "Longchi Town, the Party here! People also here!" Tears flowed freely.

8:00 PM. Two Nanyue villagers asked the headquarters for permission to help send supplies to resettlement areas the next day; headquarters agreed.

8:50 PM. Voices were heard in resettlement areas around Liping that rice was not being properly distributed. Secretary Wang gave strict orders that all food had to be thoroughly traced to ensure that the masses received it. Punishment would be meted out if leading cadres were found off duty. The police were authorized to intervene and efforts were strengthened during this emergency.

[May 18] Tents come, priority for the elderly, weak, sick, disabled and pregnant women

A temporal road has finally been constructed.

7:00 AM. 200 tents were sent to the town headquarters. They were distributed to all resettlement areas. Priority was first given to the elderly, weak, sick, disabled and pregnant women.

Another downpour. Many tents temporarily built were full of water.

9:00 AM. Villagers excavated three dead bodies, including that of the Party chief of Nanyue Village. Secretary Wang expressed his condolences.

11:00 AM. A rescue troop from the Armed Police Command College of Chengdu arrived and one of their battalions is quartered here. After assembling, they immediately left for different villages.

All kinds of donated supplies arrived; we all began to help rescue troops carry out relief work.

The rain finally stopped. Things are getting better.

[Postscript]

On May 19, Wang Jin, under the warning that his "leg will be necrotic if not treated immediately," was sent out of Longchi. He is being treated at the Orthopedics Hospital of Sichuan Province. The physician's diagnosis: muscle tear in his leg, posterior cruciate ligament tear in his right knee and serious swelling.

On May 20, rescue troops began utilizing large equipment to open the roads to all blocked villages.

On May 23, People in Longchi began to do farming again. Dongyue, a village that mainly depends on kiwi fruit cultivation, began its own manpower production. Relief tents were distributed; each family got one.

On May 26, we discussed resettlement issues with all departments concerned in planning these details.

(China.org.cn translated by Wang Wei, June 5, 2008)