(China Daily)
Updated: 2008-05-16 07:41

I am a student of Sichuan Agriculture University in Dujiangyan, which is one of the hardest-hit areas in Sichuan.

When the earthquake hit, everything was shaking. We couldn't even stand on our feet, trying to grab the poles beside us. We immediately rushed to the sports ground. Houses collapsed and many people were buried under the rubble.

We were the lucky ones who managed to escape but there are still many people in Dujiangyang who are now facing the cold rain with nothing to eat and nowhere to shelter themselves.

Two days have passed and the situation is getting worse. I hope everyone could extend their helping hands to the people who are suffering from this catastrophe.

China Daily reader 158****6533

through text message

I am a college student from Sichuan now studying in Beijing. I have always thought my hometown is one of the safest places in the world where people have an easy and comfortable life. But a phone call I got in the afternoon of May 12 shattered everything peaceful.

My teachers and classmates were with me in the most difficult three hours when I couldn't reach my family. The moment I heard my mom's voice, I realized that there is nothing more important than being with your families and loved ones in such a world of so many unexpected things. I thank all of you who have helped the people in need.

With your support, we will soon be able to get back on our feet again. I pray for my hometown and I believe we will definitely overcome the catastrophic difficulties.

China Daily reader 134****3225

through text message

My hometown is in Dujiangyan, Sichuan province. When I saw the news on TV, my heart sank.

On May 12, all telecommunication was cut off. I was so worried because I couldn't get in touch with my family. The next morning I finally got messages from home. Everyone was fine but our home was destroyed. Mom said that we needed to rebuild our home.

I hope that all the people in my hometown will be strong and united together in the effort to rebuild our communities. I also hope that all the people of Sichuan who are away from their home will have the strength to go through the traumatic period with our countrymen together!

China Daily reader 158****4133

through text message

What I see is debris\\

What I hear is weeping\\

Along with the people in quake-hit area,

My heart is bleeding and crying for the earthquake tragedy\\

Our premier, our people\\

Our heroes, our soldiers\\

Forgetting their tiredness, they are struggling to save more survivors\\

More lives, more hopes

China Daily reader 158****1080

through text message

I am a student from Xi'an Air Force Engineering University. When the tremor was felt in Xi'an, we were just about to have classes. All of a sudden, we felt dizzy. We didn't realize an earthquake had just struck until our instructor shouted, "Run! It's an earthquake!" Eventually, we were all safely evacuated from the dormitory building.

Although we cannot go to the frontline to save our brothers and sisters at this moment, we are acting together to donate through the Red Cross in China and are spreading our calls on campus. If everyone donates 1 yuan then we can collect a total of 1.3 billion yuan!

China Daily reader 136****5080

through text message

My home is in Mianyang, Sichuan, where my parents and my brother live. I am studying in another part of the country. I tried calling my mom right after I got the news of the earthquake. I had a feeling that my home must have been affected.

At first, I couldn't get through because of the poor telecommunication in Mianyang. Not until the midnight did I finally contact my family members who told me that everyone was safe . But water and electricity supply there were paralyzed. My father is a brave man and I know he will be able to protect my family and himself. I pray for all the good and brave people.

China Daily reader 158****5550

through text message

Man is so vulnerable compared with nature. Unfortunately, current science and technology cannot predict when disasters might happen.

Since the earthquake already took thousands of lives and brought great damages to the stricken area, what we should do now is unite together and help our fellow people to get through the calamity. Only in unity can we win the race against time to save lives.

China Daily reader 138****6297

through text message

I am from Mianzhu, Sichuan province, and studying at a university in Wuhan. My family members are living in Mianzhu. The situation is very serious and lacks all kinds of materials.

My uncle and aunt, who are on the medical staff, are still working at the frontline, while my father is at school to take care of the students.

I appeal to more people to do something for Mianzhu, for Sichuan, for what we the students outside Sichuan can do is keep praying for our hometowns.

China Daily reader 134****7362

through text message

The merciless earthquake has brought unprecedented pains to Sichuan, with numerous innocent people buried.

Premier Wen Jiabao risked his own life to the debris to encourage the survivors, convincing everybody that our Party, our army, our government will stand out at the most difficult time.

We should be proud of our warm country and encourage the survivors to keep on, because 1.3 billion fellow people are standing behind them.

China Daily reader 159****9267

through text message

Seeing the desperate eyes of those people in the quake-hit areas, my heart is broken.

Although I cannot donate 5 million yuan as some rich people can, but I sincerely keep praying for them.

We can believe that as long as we are united, in 2008 we can not only hold the Olympic Games smoothly but also help our fellow people to get through the catastrophe.

China Daily reader 158****0493

through text message

I am a medical student in Shangdong province. We were celebrating the International Nurses' Day on May 12 when the heartbreaking news of the earthquake broke. We soon rushed to tell our classmates who are from Sichuan about the news.

We were relieved when we learned that none of them had family members who died or were injured in the disaster. I want to tell families of all the people who were trapped beneath the rubble that our government is doing its best to rescue them and that the hearts of people all over the country go with them. I believe things will get better soon!

China Daily reader 138****6410

through text message

I am a college student from Xi'an. We were in our dorms when the earthquake broke out. The room was shaking so hard that we rushed to duck in a corner.

When it stopped, we ran downstairs to the sports ground, which was filled with many people. Some broke their legs as they tried to escape by jumping from the building. We were all asked to wait outside until midnight when we were confirmed that it was safe to go back.

China Daily reader 137****1482

through text message

I am a student from Shaanxi. We were having our class when the earthquake hit. The desks and chairs were shaking greatly and it was the first time in my life to experience an earthquake.

When we ran out of our classroom, we found that the hall was crowded with people. But we managed to get to the ground safely. In the past two days, we were so scared that we slept with our clothes on and were ready to evacuate at any time.

China Daily reader 150****2825

through text message

It is heartbreaking to see bodies being pulled out one after another and so many fresh and young lives of students perishing in a second. Lost lives will not be brought back. I deeply pray for those who are still struggling on the brinks of life and death and hope they can survive.

Our hearts go with you and people across the country are deeply concerned about all your suffering. I believe with the help of the government and all the people, we will unite to fight against the disaster and go beyond this devastating period together.

China Daily reader 150****9348

through text message

I am a college student. While watching Premier Wen rushing to the disaster-hit regions, shedding tears for the children trapped beneath the debris and comforting the injured and the orphans who lost their parents in the earthquake, I couldn't hold back my tears.

The Chinese people have such a great premier. Unity is strength. Under the command of our top leaders, I firmly believe that we Chinese people will definitely win this catastrophic battle.

China Daily reader 134****5128

through text message

(China Daily 05/16/2008 page9)