China Focus
China's response to Haiti quake praised
(China Daily)
Updated: 2010-03-01 13:52
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Medical assistance
Medical professionals, equipment and materials were badly needed in the aftermath of the disaster in Haiti, which was listed as one of the most underdeveloped nations in the world. A team of 15 doctors was among the first batch of Chinese rescuers, and they set up a medical treatment center in front of the Haitian prime minister's residence on the next day of their arrival in Haiti. On Jan 25, the second batch of Chinese doctors arrived in Haiti.
While the Chinese doctors were sympathetic to their Haitian patients' physical suffering, they were also aware of the pressing necessity for psychological counseling among victims. The language barrier was easily surmounted with a pamphlet of psychological guidance being translated into French for circulation.
For a lot of Haitian victims, reading the pamphlet was the first psychological help they received after days of trauma caused by the loss of homes and family members.
Meanwhile, disaster-relief materials were assembled in China and transported to Haiti in the fastest possible way. As the first and second batches of food, water and medicines reached the Haitian people, the third batch was ready for delivery.
The UN Secretary-General praised the Chinese government and people's strong support and generous help for Haiti, saying that he was moved by the Chinese rescuers' courageous performance.
During a meeting on Sunday with Wang Shuping, head of the China Trade Development Office in Haiti, Haiti's President Rene Preval expressed his gratitude for the Chinese rescue and medical assistance teams, which, he said, played significant roles in the disaster-relief process.
Reconstruction under way
Enduring great sorrow, the Haitian people have started to take initial steps to rebuild their country with the help of the international community.
In a temporary tent city near Delmas Street in Port-au-Prince, there are about a dozen tents provided by China. The large Chinese tents were allocated for big families.
"I live in a Chinese tent," a little boy who said his name was Anjero often told others with excitement. He shares the tent with his 26 other family members.
"We want to say 'thank you' to Chinese friends," he said.
China's humanitarian aid to Haiti showed the Chinese government and people's respect for lives and human rights.
"China is willing to continue to work with the international community to help the quake victims in Haiti rebuild their homes at an early date," said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Ma Zhaoxu.
China has so far provided Haiti with material and medical assistance worth $7 million, as well as another $3.6 million in remittance. The Chinese Charitable Society called on all charities across China to actively solicit donations for Haiti.
In addition to their routine patrols for the security of Haitian people, the Chinese riot police in Haiti have now become goodwill ambassadors. When they took water, food, stationery and tents to an orphanage in the eastern suburb of the capital, they were warmly welcomed by cheering children.
In spite of all the help from the outside world, the small Caribbean island country is undoubtedly facing a tough road to recovery. According to preliminary estimates, reconstruction may take more than 10 years and cost up to $1 billion.
The Haitian government is drawing up plans to move a large number of people out of the over-populated capital, and the UN Development Program has carried out a cash-for-work program to encourage local people to clear rubble in the capital.
Order has been partially restored in Port-au-Prince, as banks have resumed business and supermarkets have reopened. Music could be heard from corners of streets, and smiles were seen when people greeted each other.
Xinhua
