Earthquake victims in NW. China move into new accommodation before winter

Home>>Life

Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Tuesday, September 16, 2003

Earthquake victims in NW. China move into new accommodation before winter

DISCUSSION

CHINESE

SEND TO FRIEND

Norehmaitgiang, a farmer in Alagir township of Bachu county in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region was devastated when an earthquake destroyed his house on Feb. 24 before his planned marriage.

But he was amazed at how quickly new accommodation was built.

"I can not believe the new accommodation could be built in such a short time. My family moved into our new house in August," he said at a grand wedding ceremony which was sponsored by township government for 30 newlyweds who had to delay marriage because of the February earthquake.

In February, five counties in the Kashi area of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, including Bachu and Jiashi, were jolted by an earthquake measuring 6.8 on the Richter scale, killing 268 persons, affecting more than 650,000 people and causing economic losses of 1.3 billion yuan (about 157 million US dollars).

"To move earthquake victims into new accommodation tops our post-earthquake work agenda," said Mardan Mukyet, magistrate of Bachu county.

Bachu county was the most severely hit county, where more than 70,000 rooms were torn down.

He said nearly 90 percent of those who lost their homes had moved into new accommodation and the rest are expected to move before Oct. 1.

Southern Xinjiang normally enters winter in mid-October and the lowest temperature there can reach minus 10 degrees Celsius.

The new accommodations were all built in accordance with government standards and are designed to withstand earthquakes measuring 8 on the Richter scale.

Norehmaitgiang said his new house is more than 50 sq. meters in size and equipped with heating.

Mardan attributed the smooth reconstruction to the adequate and timely fund support from central and local government.

According to earlier reports, about 150 million yuan (about 18.1 million US dollars) which was earmarked by governments at all levels and donated by all sectors of society, has been spent for building new accommodation in the earthquake-hit areas.

Moreover, those whose houses were destroyed in the earthquake are entitled to compensation ranging from 4,000 yuan (about 481.9 US dollars) to 12,000 yuan (about 1445.9 US dollars).

Some lucky villagers were even accommodated in their new houses as early as May.

Apart from new housing, reconstruction of hospitals and schoolsin disaster areas has also been completed.

Questions?Comments? Click here

China to rebuild quake-destroyed mosques in Xinjiang

China Sets to Put Brakes on Auto Industry ( 2 Messages)

Chinese Scientist Appeals for Checking Academic Corruption ( 2 Messages)

Think about the 2nd Anniversary of '9.11': Viewpoint ( 8 Messages)

High-tech Expo: Precious Chances for Investments ( 2 Messages)

Chinese Top Economists Denounce RMB Appreciation ( 2 Messages)