At a magnitude of 7.9, the earthquake that rocked China’s Sichuan province is now estimated to be the country’s deadliest in recent history. Fatalities have tallied over 15,000 in an industrial city that was reduced to a living situation most closely resembling a refugee camp. As national guards continue rescue efforts in rain drenched rubble, the potential for after-shocks has driven most families from their homes. Access to any type of building or upright structure still standing is prohibited by Chinese officials. Without shelter, citizens unable to evacuate the area sleep in plastic bags to keep dry.
Despite the Chinese governments efforts, the rain-drenched hillsides remain unstable and prone to landslide. International sympathy has started to come in from the United States, international relief organizations and even from the Dalai Lama who offered his prayers to the victims.
