Although survivors at the epicenter of the magnitude 7. To begin meeting the immense needs of survivors, the government airdropped supplies, and crews began rebuilding roads and bridges. People across the country stepped up, in cities and mountain regions, donating money, at times sharing the little food or water available, and comforting one another under terrible conditions. At the Red Cross Society of China offices in Beijing, volunteers struggled to answer telephones ringing off the hook with offers of help while others counted wads of cash from a steady stream of donors.
The government had not set up a central hotline for people to inquire about their relatives as of late Wednesday, but FM Some websites were also posting messages. The outpouring of help from the people and the speed with which many groups became involved underscored a fundamental shift in recent years as more individuals and companies take the initiative, eroding the traditional government-led approach. Greater wealth, an emerging middle class and entrepreneurship mark a new generation of citizens more used to making their own decisions.
The government, for its part, has at times warned do-gooders to stay clear and let the army and police do their jobs. That did not deter citizens such as those in private vehicles Wednesday heading north on the highway to Beichuan. Conditions in many areas remained grim. Scores of people were hungry and thirsty and living outside because of collapsed or unsafe homes. In Dujiangyan, Li Shirong huddled with his extended family under plastic sheeting, taking inventory of their food supply.
The family of seven had three bags of instant noodles. Elsewhere, residents said the situation was especially tough for people unable to make it to the center of town to seek help.
This morning I got a bucket and caught some rainwater to drink. Doctors said that with hospitals destroyed and pharmacies buried in rubble, medicine was in short supply. They said they needed emergency medical kits, and medicines for colds, diarrhea and high blood pressure.
