May 12, 2009

• Source: The Global Times
• [18:10 May 21 2009]
• Comments

One year ago today, a devastating earthquake rocked Wenchuan County and neighboring counties in Sichuan Province, claiming a total of 69,227 lives.

Today, China will stop for a brief moment to mourn the earthquake victims. Ceremonies and candlelight vigils are planned. However, the one-year anniversary of the Wenchuan earthquake should be more than just sad memories.

The disaster remains fresh on the country's mind. In the period that followed the tragedy, when the nation was overwhelmed with sorrow, a strong sense of community and unity emerged. The massive earthquake yielded one positive result: public participation in civil affairs, long underdeveloped in Chinese society.

Shortly after the earthquake, the disaster relief effort began. The Chinese government quickly deployed soldiers to save lives and sent in aid materials. The high degree of transparency and access the government allowed media won universal praise. Watching the footage of around-the-clock rescue efforts, the entire nation was mobilized so that donations and volunteers poured into the disaster areas.

One year after, amid the remorse and tears, vows and tributes, perhaps it's worthwhile to ask if there are better ways to mark the anniversary, and more important, to solve the lingering problems.

Various promises made by governments and civil groups on caring for survivors still echo, but there have been reports that some companies haven't given out the money they promised to donate one year ago. Some companies embezzled the donations of their employees. News like this is not only chilling, but also insulting.

A comprehensive review of the rebuilding efforts is necessary. It is not enough to release a simple balance sheet of how much was received and spent. Donors care more about exactly how money was spent.

The death toll still remains controversial. The government still hasn't come up with a convincing name list of the dead and the missing. Only recently were the official statistics on the students who died in the earthquake released. A clear explanation from the government will relieve the pain of many parents who are haunted by their loss.

While we weep for the dead, the survivors shouldn't be left out. As attention given to the earthquake zone thinned out months after the tragedy, the volunteer rush and morale-boosting aid dried up as well. Several recent cases of suicide in the earthquake zones highlight the seriousness of mental health issues among survivors.

Rebuilding will require a few years; psychological wounds will be slower to heal. The effort requires hard work, which may not be glamorous, but is crucial for the success of rebuilding efforts.

If we can sustain the efficiency, transparency, and civil spirit generated during the rescue efforts, victims will be better honored and the country will make progress in recovering from the catastrophe.