Reporting from China

Posted: Monday, May 12, 2008 12:51 PM by Sam Singal

By Bo Gu, NBC News, Beijing

I noticed the swinging leaves on our office manager's desk when she pointed out her plant to me and asked me if I felt the earthquake. Her eyes were wide open and her hands were on her chest. I told her I didn’t feel anything, but I couldn’t help giving a quick glance on our ceiling lamp-it obviously swayed for a few seconds.

In a few minutes our freelance producer Steven called in, told us there were hundreds of people evacuating from office buildings to the street, causing a small traffic in the main road of Beijing.

News started popping up on major websites: a quake measured at magnitude 7.5 struck western China, shaking buildings in cities as far away as Beijing and the business hub of Shanghai. The quake struck 57 miles (92 kilometers) northwest of the Sichuan provincial capital of Chengdu at 2:28 p.m. (0628 GMT). The 7.5-magnitude quake was centered 6.2 miles (10 kilometers) below the surface.

7.5 magnitude is absolutely an appalling level to Chinese people, who two years ago just had the 30th anniversary of the greatest earthquake in the northern city of Tangshan in 1976. Over 240,000 people were killed in that 7.8-magnitude earthquake, the second largest death toll in a single earthquake in modern history.

More news and images caught up at a frightening speed. Schools buildings fell down with hundreds of children buried underneath. Chemical plants collapsed, causing tons of liquid ammonia to leak. Cracks showed up in buildings. Water tower was toppled. In a village in northern Sichuan alone, 80% of buildings were destroyed. Electricity was out and no phone calls could be made to the quake zone. Death toll climbed up gradually from ten to a hundred to hundreds, then thousands.

By 8:00 pm, Premier Wen Jiabao has arrived in Sichuan in his private jet, and gave a speech to the whole country, expressing central government’s condolence, ordering a military entry to the disaster zone and calling for the whole country to fight against the catastrophe.

Regions and countries as far as Bangkok and Taipei felt the tremor too. More and more deaths are reported in other nearby provinces in Gansu, Shanxi, and Yunnan provinces.

By the time I finish this blog, 9,000 people are reported to have died in the earthquake, and official news says the death toll is likely to grow.

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Comments

Brian- Is NBC News going to follow up on the whole Larry Di Rita/military "analysts" imbroglio? What a great story, it's got everything! You guys can't pass on this one. Can you?

Chip Gower, San Francisco, CA (Sent Monday, May 12, 2008 1:14 PM)

take the pictures of the bodies and exposed victims off the screen

linda,dallas (Sent Monday, May 12, 2008 1:30 PM)

I am totally saddened by hearing of this devistating Quake..God bless these people and let us reach out to do what we can to help..NOW.. !!!!
a USA concerned Citizen, Humanitarian
S.Parlavecchio Arizona

Sylvia Myres Parlavecchio (Sent Monday, May 12, 2008 1:37 PM)

I know that I speak for millions of Americans when I say that I ache for those who have been - and are being - devastated by this tragedy. Were it in my power, I would be there to lend as much help as possible. Words cannot convey my feelings for the people of China.

Stephen Paul (Sent Monday, May 12, 2008 1:47 PM)

Great reporting. I live in China and find it hard to find such in depth reporting anywhere. Thanks to Bo Gu for keeping us informed.

Joseph Clay Tonsin (Sent Monday, May 12, 2008 1:58 PM)

Why don't your photographers HELP the suffering people, rather than taking picures of them struggling?

Ray Georgeson, Calgary, Alberta (Sent Monday, May 12, 2008 2:20 PM)

I pray for the people of China especially the children during this horrific time. I feel a special connect to China having adopted my daughter from China. I hope the USA will do whatever we can to lend a helping hand.

Phyllisann M., Nutley,NJ (Sent Monday, May 12, 2008 2:21 PM)

I am not shocked by this disaster. While the earthquake was strong, the effects were, without a doubt, magnified numerous times over by the incredibly poor building practices in China. China wants to be taken seriously as a world power, yet they cannot even mix concrete that will not crumble, most times without assistance from nature. China needs to get its act together... in all ways. Hey China... quit infecting the rest of the world on a yearly basis with new flu strains and other diseases, that are a direct result of a complete lack of sanitation. Show the world that you value your own citizens, by establishing proper building codes, and establishing laws which protect your citizens, not persecute them. Don't follow W's example. Be human, and humane.

Mongo Lloyd, Devonia, o-HI-o (Sent Monday, May 12, 2008 3:01 PM)

A major concern that no one is addressing is the massive dam on the Yangzte which is built on a known earthquake fault. How was the earthquake felt there and will what goes on upstream effect it's safety in any way?

Mary Kirk (Sent Monday, May 12, 2008 3:23 PM)

to Mongo Lloyd, Devonia, o-HI-o

Do you understand what a 7.9 magnitude earth quake means?
And please, do not politicize natural desaster.

Lin, Houston, TX (Sent Monday, May 12, 2008 3:56 PM)

The massive dam does not see any damage so far.
After a while we finally reached our relatives near where the quake took place. Most buildings in the nearby cities are fine, according to my parents-in-law in Chengdu, about 60 miles from the epicenter of the quake. My father-in-law even slept in house last night, although there have been numerous smaller quakes afterward. All connections to the two counties with more than 200,000 people at the center of the quake have been destroyed - bridges fallen into deep valleys and roads buried in collapsed rocks. The army has been ordered to march in on foot since it will take too long to repair the roads and the extremely mountainous terrain limits the usage of aircrafts. However, falling rocks, continuous smaller quakes and landslides plus the rain have been creating a lot of troubles. According to one military officer, the resources the army can bring in could be limited as they can not use any machines or vehicles. Chinese media expects much more victims - people are worrying those two counties have been leveled off.

Michael X. Li, Cambrdige, MA (Sent Monday, May 12, 2008 4:11 PM)

Mongo Lloyd,
I am sickened by your remarks that are far from being humane in this difficult hour. A shallow-depth mega quake like this one, wherever it may occur, is going to have devastating consequences. Not to mention that the epicenter is over rugged terrain with soil that is prone to liquidation under such violent earthquake. Let us hope that the rescue workers can reach these areas in time for survivors.

Li, Chapel Hill, NC (Sent Monday, May 12, 2008 4:13 PM)

The buildings in small towns and villages at the center are not designed and built for a quake like this. Please be reminded this is in one of the under-developed area in a developing country - China may have glamorous big cities but most of the country, especially in the west part, is still quite poor. The rural area the quake hit actually was so poor that I felt hard to believe when I visited in 2004.

Michael X. Li, Cambrdige, MA (Sent Monday, May 12, 2008 4:16 PM)

Do we all consider we are not safe where ever we are so lets be humble to each other in cases like these we nee a savour

vcjords (Sent Monday, May 12, 2008 4:19 PM)

GOD HELP THE POOR, THE HURT, AND THE STRONG BE STRONGER TO HELP THOSE IN NEED. LET US
PRAY FOR THE PEOPLE OF CHINA AND ALL OVER THE WORLD,
WHILE ALL THESE DISASTERS KEEP HAPPENING. POWER OF
PRAY...

HANKSFAMILY (Sent Monday, May 12, 2008 4:23 PM)

To Mongo Lloyd, Devonia, o-HI-o,

How about our bridge in Minneapolis? Guess it's built by Chinese. what a pathetic loser you are.

Jack (Sent Monday, May 12, 2008 4:23 PM)

To Mongo Lloyd,

You need to reign in your air of superiority. We have had our share of disasters here in the US, lest we forget the Katrina fiasco in New Orleans. Here in the Pacific Northwest, we sit on the ring of fire and our turn for a major earthquake or volcanic eruption will come eventually.

Sam Lee, Oregon (Sent Monday, May 12, 2008 4:29 PM)

Please, let's all be civil and keep our minds on helping the people in China - and Burma too. God bless them and I hope the US will act quickly to do whatever it can.

Cris Markos (Sent Monday, May 12, 2008 4:30 PM)

To Mongo

A 7.9 earthquake is a huge one. Many old buildings would not be lucky enough to survive. Northridge quake in 1993 is 6.7 and it knocked down building shattered some highway bridges to pieces. San Francisco's 1989 quake kills all the double deck highway. Nobody called Americans to withdraw from NATO to fix its infrastructure. Have some heart and stop putting down those poor people who suffer a 7.9 quake.

Bing, Chino Hills, CA (Sent Monday, May 12, 2008 4:42 PM)

Hopefully the Chinese government makes every effort to take care of it's people and provide the best medical treatment available.

Jesus Alvarez, Moorestown, NJ (Sent Monday, May 12, 2008 4:42 PM)

It tells me that God has weighed on the issue of the Olympics and has determined that it shouldn't be held there. My heart does go out to the victims and the missing, i have lived in California before and an earthquake can be very nasty. Yet I do believe our Creator in Heaven does speak to His creation even when we don't listen.

David F. Troy, Alabama (Sent Monday, May 12, 2008 4:45 PM)

hello china is hosting the 2008 world olympiad-the 1st time for this huge nation-they needsome international re-assurance that the western world is suppoting them-during this difficult time-remember during the disaster in neworleans-kuwait sent 500mmusd to washington[we all helped liberate kuwait from iraq occupation][we would never torch a countries resources/interpol states there could be terrorism issues for the olympics/we must support china/china is not interested in war-just a better life for its people/jdenishuggard

jdhuggard/west vancouver/bc/canada (Sent Monday, May 12, 2008 4:52 PM)

Has Qing Dao been affected in any way? Our daughter and son-in-law are there and we would like to know if anyone has heard anything from that area.

Cqndy, Tampa, FL (Sent Monday, May 12, 2008 4:53 PM)

I was in the city of Chengdu just two or so weeks ago. I saw much of the city and surrounding areas during the 2 weeks there. I can assure you, a 7.9 quake has caused some damage, and likely much more loss of life than we see reported. As the reports are coming, damaged is reported over 100 miles from the epicenter. Lets show some humanity for the loss of life and for the destruction that has occured. I can only imagine. I'm sure at this time the Chinese country and people could use a little encouragement from others around the world, including Americans.

B McMillin, Walnut, California (Sent Monday, May 12, 2008 4:53 PM)

Our hearts are with the people in China. We are terribly saddened to hear and see the great loss you have experienced.
Peace be with you.

Kat, Vancouver WA (Sent Monday, May 12, 2008 4:53 PM)

Our politicians should seriously consider diverting the "UN" aide provided by the U.S.of A. being sent to Myanmar to mainland China. I believe their (the Chinese) Generals will allow the aide to be distrib- uted to the people and not autograph the containers for political gain on their part.
Jim Hannan (China Marine)

Jim Hannan, Greenville, N. C. (Sent Monday, May 12, 2008 4:57 PM)

What buildings do you know till this day that can withstand a 7.9 mag. earthquake? You tell me...

Don't be so ignorant.

Jimmy, Silverspring MD (Sent Monday, May 12, 2008 5:01 PM)

Jim Hannan, Greenville, N. C. (Sent Monday, May 12, 2008 5:06 PM)

To Mongo,

You should really think about what you are saying. A magnitude 7.9 earthquake will damage a lot of buildings in Devonia, Ohio, as well. And for the sanitation in China, there is a lot of areas in America that is just as dirty so please don't judge others.

Hugh, Vancouver, BC (Sent Monday, May 12, 2008 5:14 PM)

Are scientist concerned with the possibility of tsunami activity for those who live in the pacific basin ie Japan, Okinawa, or even Hawaii?

Ryan Tonnon, Okinawa Japan (Sent Monday, May 12, 2008 6:04 PM)

I heard the news of this terrible tragedy in China and I just can't imagine what all these poor people are experiencing. Around the world people from all countries suffer tragedies and certainly all people and countries should come to the aid of the people in China.

Frank Myrick, Tyler, TX. (Sent Monday, May 12, 2008 6:16 PM)

I pray that the world will put aside all differences and come to the aid for China. My heart goes out for the families affected with this terrible disaster.

Glenda Moyes Bakersfield, California (Sent Monday, May 12, 2008 6:21 PM)

I have a friend who lives and works in Chengdu and I just spoke with her on the phone. Communications were out yesterday but today it seems those have been restored. Terrible situation, but the Chinese people are strong and resourceful and they are dealing with this harsh reality with a spirit the rest of the world should envy... not criticize. We need to help them not throw political cheap shots.

Thom Reece, Missouri (Sent Monday, May 12, 2008 6:35 PM)

Cqndy:
Qing Dao is very far from the epicenter (~750 miles), so they should be very safe there.

Shawn, San Diego, CA (Sent Monday, May 12, 2008 7:01 PM)

To the mass rebukers:
Obviously, you are not well traveled, and know little of China... politically, socially, or in any other respect. You know little of their shoddy construction standards, of their locked sweatshops which have killed many, or their persecution of those in Tibet. You know little. Having traveled all over China and Hong Kong, I know a bit more. I know that the reason so many of THEIR people have died relates directly to THEIR lack of construction standards... which relates to just how little China cares for its own population. I have directly seen their buildings crumbling into pieces before they are even completed. Simply fact. Go ahead and defend the Chinese government. Tell the world that it is okay that they effectively murder their population, and the population of other countries that they claim a right to. It won't change the fact that I am right, and you are wrong.

Mongo Lloyd, Devonia, o-HI-o (Sent Monday, May 12, 2008 7:15 PM)

To Mongo Lloyd,

Don't be so ignorant and think that America is so much better than China. You should concentrate on fixing all the problems in your OWN country rather than criticizing others. Next time try to educate yourself by reading a book before voicing your opinion publicly.

Mike, Calgary, AB (Sent Monday, May 12, 2008 7:35 PM)

My thoughts and prayers are with the people of China. I pray that the Lord will guide and strengthen them to deal with their loss of loved ones. I agree with Glenda Moyes in hopes that the global community will put aside any political differences and provide all aid that is needed to assist them in search and recovery.

Liz Henry, Dededo, Guam (Sent Monday, May 12, 2008 7:43 PM)

Have a heart folks, for heavens sake this is quake is a 7.9 on the Richter scale, it's essentially 100 times more powerful than the 6.9 loma prieta (SF) quake and look at the damage to the bay bridge, double decker freeways and apartment buildings and this was in California which has some of the strictest earthquake codes in the world outside of japan.

Stan, Los Angeles, CA (Sent Monday, May 12, 2008 7:45 PM)

Mr. David Troy,

When Katrina hit New Orlean, have you reached the conclusion that US should withdrawal from Iraq? I wonder.

Well, never mind, God is always with US, and you will never be wrong.

Bing, Lisle IL (Sent Monday, May 12, 2008 7:51 PM)

Our hearts and prayers are with the victims.

I'm glad to read so many compassionated comments here. It's always tragic to learn of natural disasters anywhere. But I'm very saddened that some of the comments written on this board continue to bash China and its problems (some even thought these innocent lives deserve to die) on such a dark day. Are we really becoming such low as human-beings?

GEN. Flicker, Virginia (Sent Monday, May 12, 2008 7:52 PM)

Glad to see most people here can at least comprehend the power of a 7.9 earthquake. A shallow quake of that magnitude in a densely populated region would cause massive destruction anywhere. If it happened in Los Angeles, we'd be looking at similar scenes.

I'm glad for the photos. Too often, we are desensitized because we DON'T see the faces of the victims, we just read the headlines and hear the death tolls. These are fellow human beings, no different from you or me, just wanting to live their lives and raise their families... this is truly an epic disaster. And let's not criticize the photographers; for all we know, they could have snapped the pictures, then rendered aid to those they photographed.

Chad, Denver CO (Sent Monday, May 12, 2008 7:56 PM)

My deepest sympathy goes out to the victims of this natural disaster and I strongly condemn anyone who is trying to politicize this natural disaster or relate it to the Olympics at Beijing. Where is the humanity!

Anita, Riverside, CA (Sent Monday, May 12, 2008 8:12 PM)

the 6.9 loma prieta earthquake wasnt noted for its strength, but for how long the quake lasted. 15 seconds. I know, I was there. I can only imagine however the sheer terror the chinese people must of felt during this disaster. May the chinese government allow for further aid both financial and logistical.

Ryan Tonnon, Okinawa Japan (Sent Monday, May 12, 2008 9:18 PM)

You conducted a phone interview with my brother-in-law (Dan Roeber) and featured him for a few seconds on the news tonight. Interestingly enough, my sister and I went through the '89 Loma Prieta earthquake and my sister said this was far worse in length and damage as far as she could see. Thanks for featuring them! It'd be great to hear more from them later on as coverage continues!

Mary Rotman, Santa Rosa, CA (Sent Monday, May 12, 2008 9:19 PM)

TO: Mongo Lloyd, Devonia, o-HI-o,

Sure you know everything. You have traveled and know China's political system better than us all. What you know doesn't change the fact that 10,000 people just died of a NATURAL DISASTER and that a whole country is in mourning. Keep your political and social opinions to yourself or to another forum because this article is about the suffering of a 7.9 earthquake. This is not a place for you to rank about your dislike of China. I am sure other people agree with me when I say that being politics into this matter is an act of stupidity by you.

JLin , Phila, NJ (Sent Monday, May 12, 2008 9:27 PM)

i am chinese, 27 years old.
As i know,in China. most of the peoples are paying more attention to this quake.
also most of the news from yesterday are about this matter. and it let us know the fact of this damage. and see what our Governent can do.
we know that our government is trying best to avoide more damage from this.
And please i hope some persons with prejudice to us donot think that our normal chinese peoples are Children.we are seeing what our government are doing.
Its not the same as 30 years ago or more earlier.

Danny , Ningbo , China (Sent Monday, May 12, 2008 9:33 PM)

http://www.newsweek.com/id/136722

Lo and behold... on MSNBC's main page, directly underneath the China headline, is an article validating my previous two posts, identifying the poor construction standards as cause for high number of deaths. Great job, MSNBC and Newsweek! To the rest of you naysayers... read a book!

Mongo Lloyd, Devonia, o-HI-o (Sent Monday, May 12, 2008 10:31 PM)

Haven't we just had an earthquake in the middle of nowhere in the midwest? now this one hit the center of China, not even remotely close to the ring of fire! I am afraid something big is moving and we might see more earthquakes in the coming months.

Melody Lin, Houston, TX (Sent Monday, May 12, 2008 10:45 PM)

Thanks all the Americans who prayed and helped for the Chinese suffered this disaster!
I hope they'll be well

Romeo Yao,Zhejiang,China (Sent Tuesday, May 13, 2008 7:09 AM)

China has so strict laws about seismic safety of buildings that architects and developers often complains. The issue is that during this transforming era, construction activities can not be completely monitored. In the cities, e.g. Chengdu, buildings sustained very well against such a magnitude quake. However, in less regulated rural, situation is much severe. This phenomenon, should not be so unfamiliar if people really read books. Read Chinese books and Chinese codes before commenting!!

YC Li, Leuven, Belgium (Sent Tuesday, May 13, 2008 5:09 PM)

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