Reporting from China

Chip Gower, San Francisco, CA — Mon, 12 May 2008 17:14:13 GMT

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?

Reporting from China

linda,dallas — Mon, 12 May 2008 17:30:50 GMT

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

Reporting from China

Sylvia Myres Parlavecchio — Mon, 12 May 2008 17:37:52 GMT

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

Reporting from China

Stephen Paul — Mon, 12 May 2008 17:47:14 GMT

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.

Reporting from China

Joseph Clay Tonsin — Mon, 12 May 2008 17:58:11 GMT

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.

Reporting from China

Ray Georgeson, Calgary, Alberta — Mon, 12 May 2008 18:20:16 GMT

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

Reporting from China

Phyllisann M., Nutley,NJ — Mon, 12 May 2008 18:21:21 GMT

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.

Reporting from China

Mongo Lloyd, Devonia, o-HI-o — Mon, 12 May 2008 19:01:10 GMT

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.

Reporting from China

Mary Kirk — Mon, 12 May 2008 19:23:08 GMT

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?

Reporting from China

Lin, Houston, TX — Mon, 12 May 2008 19:56:21 GMT

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.

Reporting from China

Michael X. Li, Cambrdige, MA — Mon, 12 May 2008 20:11:23 GMT

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.

Reporting from China

Li, Chapel Hill, NC — Mon, 12 May 2008 20:13:20 GMT

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.

Reporting from China

Michael X. Li, Cambrdige, MA — Mon, 12 May 2008 20:16:57 GMT

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.

Reporting from China

vcjords — Mon, 12 May 2008 20:19:33 GMT

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

Reporting from China

HANKSFAMILY — Mon, 12 May 2008 20:23:29 GMT

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...

Reporting from China

Jack — Mon, 12 May 2008 20:23:41 GMT

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.

Reporting from China

Sam Lee, Oregon — Mon, 12 May 2008 20:29:11 GMT

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.

Reporting from China

Cris Markos — Mon, 12 May 2008 20:30:44 GMT

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.

Reporting from China

Bing, Chino Hills, CA — Mon, 12 May 2008 20:42:07 GMT

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.

Reporting from China

Jesus Alvarez, Moorestown, NJ — Mon, 12 May 2008 20:42:49 GMT

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

Reporting from China

David F. Troy, Alabama — Mon, 12 May 2008 20:45:50 GMT

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.

Reporting from China

jdhuggard/west vancouver/bc/canada — Mon, 12 May 2008 20:52:16 GMT

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

Reporting from China

Cqndy, Tampa, FL — Mon, 12 May 2008 20:53:20 GMT

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.

Reporting from China

B McMillin, Walnut, California — Mon, 12 May 2008 20:53:21 GMT

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.

Reporting from China

Kat, Vancouver WA — Mon, 12 May 2008 20:53:40 GMT

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.

Reporting from China

Jim Hannan, Greenville, N. C. — Mon, 12 May 2008 20:57:08 GMT

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)

Reporting from China

Jimmy, Silverspring MD — Mon, 12 May 2008 21:01:56 GMT

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

Don't be so ignorant.

Reporting from China

Jim Hannan, Greenville, N. C. — Mon, 12 May 2008 21:06:57 GMT

Reporting from China

Hugh, Vancouver, BC — Mon, 12 May 2008 21:14:47 GMT

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.

Reporting from China

Ryan Tonnon, Okinawa Japan — Mon, 12 May 2008 22:04:11 GMT

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

Reporting from China

Frank Myrick, Tyler, TX. — Mon, 12 May 2008 22:16:24 GMT

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.

Reporting from China

Glenda Moyes Bakersfield, California — Mon, 12 May 2008 22:21:43 GMT

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.

Reporting from China

Thom Reece, Missouri — Mon, 12 May 2008 22:35:41 GMT

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.

Reporting from China

Shawn, San Diego, CA — Mon, 12 May 2008 23:01:14 GMT

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

Reporting from China

Mongo Lloyd, Devonia, o-HI-o — Mon, 12 May 2008 23:15:01 GMT

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.

Reporting from China

Mike, Calgary, AB — Mon, 12 May 2008 23:35:08 GMT

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.

Reporting from China

Liz Henry, Dededo, Guam — Mon, 12 May 2008 23:43:29 GMT

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.

Reporting from China

Stan, Los Angeles, CA — Mon, 12 May 2008 23:45:03 GMT

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.

Reporting from China

Bing, Lisle IL — Mon, 12 May 2008 23:51:02 GMT

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.

Reporting from China

GEN. Flicker, Virginia — Mon, 12 May 2008 23:52:29 GMT

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?

Reporting from China

Chad, Denver CO — Mon, 12 May 2008 23:56:56 GMT

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.

Reporting from China

Anita, Riverside, CA — Tue, 13 May 2008 00:12:22 GMT

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!

Reporting from China

Ryan Tonnon, Okinawa Japan — Tue, 13 May 2008 01:18:08 GMT

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.

Reporting from China

Mary Rotman, Santa Rosa, CA — Tue, 13 May 2008 01:19:57 GMT

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!

Reporting from China

JLin , Phila, NJ — Tue, 13 May 2008 01:27:45 GMT

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.

Reporting from China

Danny , Ningbo , China — Tue, 13 May 2008 01:33:02 GMT

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.

Reporting from China

Mongo Lloyd, Devonia, o-HI-o — Tue, 13 May 2008 02:31:10 GMT

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!

Reporting from China

Melody Lin, Houston, TX — Tue, 13 May 2008 02:45:17 GMT

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.

Reporting from China

Romeo Yao,Zhejiang,China — Tue, 13 May 2008 11:09:45 GMT

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

Reporting from China

YC Li, Leuven, Belgium — Tue, 13 May 2008 21:09:36 GMT

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!!

Reporting from China

YC Li, Leuven, Belgium — Tue, 13 May 2008 21:15:04 GMT

Stop talking about China like a single enemy! When we talk about China, our hearts are filled with concerns to our over one billion people, this time to the victims and rescuers in Sichuan.
Be respectful to our organization. Whatever outsiders accuse it for, it is admitted by the people that sustained a civilization over five thousand years. If you believe in anything, please do not be so inhumanly arrogant .

Reporting from China

violet — Wed, 14 May 2008 02:00:14 GMT

I live in Guangzhou provincial capital of Guangdong.The earthquake occured when i was working at home. I felt a litter swing on my notebook, then i saw the wave in the glass of water on my desk. i knew it was a earthquake.i was not very surprised,because a year ago, there was another small earthquake happende, but no death and injured reported.
After work,i had a glance of the news.i was astonished. what happen to that?