Saving Sichuan's 'people in the clouds'
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http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7519526.stm
The devastating earthquake in Sichuan province has seriously endangered the 3,000 year-old customs of the Qiang people, writes the BBC's Nick Mackie.It is a precarious drive some 10 km up a narrow, winding mountain trail to catch a glimpse of Zengtou and its fortress-like dwellings.
From about a kilometre downhill, the damage seems slight.
Surprisingly so, for this area is close to the epicentre of May's powerful earthquake. To the east, the huge Longmenshan range - the quake fault line - fills the skyline.
After China's choking, chaotic cities, the final climb past hillside blossoms towards this village in the clouds seems idyllic.
But on the rock-strewn path between high stone walls that serves as Zengtou's main street, the picture is different.
At the home of 60-year-old Zhou Libin the quake damage is clear.
Sections of the roof have caved in and supporting walls have collapsed. Huge cracks run down stonework that is still standing and the floor is dangerously unstable.
“We've no idea how to continue,” she says, crying. “We cannot harvest our plants, our peppercorns. We used to dry them on the roof, now we've either no roof or it's too dangerous.”
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- tags:
- Economy, China, People, Earthquake, 5 more
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mundosanto
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With all the attention in the Olympics I hope the chinese government don't forget about those who really need help.
Millions of dollars where donated to this people, this might be enough to help them get on their feet.
- 4 years ago
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mundosanto
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