As one of the most urgent and most difficult problems, shelter was given special attention by the local government. Tens of thousands of people became homeless overnight after the earthquake, but by the end of 2010, the city had rebuilt and repaired more than 500,000 apartments, of which 451,633 are in the rural area and 141,512 in urban zones. Today most of the refugees have their own house and are starting a new life.

Local residents have also been involved in the reconstruction process. In June and August 2008, the local government twice organized experts to visit the quake-stricken areas to draw up plans for the reconstruction.

According to the plan, the residents are free to choose whether to rebuild their damaged house, build their own on a uniform design, accept a uniform government-built apartment, or move to another place.

Last but by no means least is the timely psychological assistance that has been provided. Chengdu started several psychological assistance programs immediately after the disaster, and soon enlarged them to cover the whole region.

In the recovery period, Chengdu has developed these psychological assistance programs into long-term mechanisms and established a complete psychological service system. Today the city has 628 psychological service stations and 666 psychological assistance workers in all.

On May 11, on the 2011 Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction, the UN bestowed great honor upon eight cities including Chengdu for their excellent reconstruction work.

The Chengdu example has won international acknowledgement, and we hope the city will continue its recovery and better improve the lives of the people.

China Daily

(China Daily 05/17/2011 page8)