A magnitude-7.0 earthquake struck Baqen County, Nagqu City, the Xizang Autonomous Region, at 10:33 p.m. on October 22, prompting concern from people near and far. In recent days, overseas Chinese organizations, overseas Chinese and many foreign friends have expressed their concern and sent messages, extending heartfelt condolences and sincere wishes to people in the earthquake-hit areas and paying high tribute to those working on the front lines of disaster relief.
Overseas Chinese Organization in Northern Thailand: Paying Tribute to Earthquake Relief Workers
The World Chinese Unity Northern Part Center Thailand sent a letter to fellow Chinese affected by the earthquake in Baqen County. The letter said that the association was deeply saddened to learn that a magnitude-7.0 earthquake had struck Baqen County, Nagqu City, Xizang, claiming the lives of 16 people and injuring 76 others, while damaging some houses and livestock sheds. With late autumn setting in on the plateau and temperatures already dropping, the sudden disaster has deeply concerned overseas Chinese in northern Thailand. The association's entire board of directors extended profound condolences to those who lost their lives, sincere sympathies to the injured and affected families, and high tribute to the search-and-rescue, medical, resettlement and infrastructure repair personnel who worked through the night on the disaster relief frontline at an altitude of nearly 4,800 meters. The letter also noted that Baqen lies on the northern plateau of Xizang, where the climate is harsh and oxygen is scarce, while herders live far apart. Although thousands of miles away, overseas Chinese in northern Thailand deeply empathize with the difficulties of rescue operations and the hardships of resettlement. They were encouraged to see that, with concerted assistance from all sides, search and rescue, the relocation of residents, the allocation of relief supplies, and the restoration of communications and power supplies proceeded in an orderly manner, while the basic needs of people in the affected areas were being properly met. The association expressed its hope that the deceased would rest in peace, the injured would recover soon, and the affected communities would return to normal life as soon as possible.
Overseas Tibetan Compatriots: Sending Heartfelt Wishes to Earthquake-Hit Baqen
Dechen Tulku, president of the Tibetan Association of North America, extended heartfelt wishes on behalf of overseas Tibetan compatriots to the people affected by the earthquake. He expressed solidarity with them and wished them safety and good health, strength to overcome the hardships and success in rebuilding their homes. He spoke highly of the Chinese government's swift response and all-out efforts to assist those affected by the earthquake. He expressed his gratitude to the Communist Party of China (CPC) for always putting people's lives and safety first, and said that he would continue to support the government's relief efforts. He also offered his prayers and best wishes for the safety and well-being of the firefighters, medical workers and emergency responders working on the front lines. Speaking with deep emotion, he said, “Our hearts are with the people of Baqen County. We will always stand with you. Tashi Delek!”
Jiga, head of the Nepal Tongxin Welfare Association, said he was deeply saddened to learn that the earthquake had claimed lives and destroyed homes and livelihoods. He offered prayers for those who had lost their lives and extended his heartfelt condolences to the survivors. On behalf of Tibetan compatriots living in Nepal and elsewhere, he expressed profound gratitude to the CPC and the Chinese government for their extensive support and assistance in carrying out emergency rescue operations, eliminating hazards, and supporting recovery and reconstruction in the disaster-hit areas. He said this gratitude came from his deep trust in and love for the motherland.
Nepalese Scholars: Message of Standing Together Through Adversity
Studies (CNAS) at Tribhuvan University, Nepal, sent a letter conveying the center’s deepest condolences and sincere sympathies to those affected by the earthquake. In the letter, he wrote that Nepal and Xizang of China, are connected across the Himalayas and share centuries-old ties in history, culture, spirituality and people-to-people exchanges. Having experienced the devastation caused by earthquakes itself, Nepal deeply understands the suffering endured by those affected. Dr. Karki commended the tireless efforts of the Chinese government, local authorities at all levels, rescue workers and community members in responding to the disaster. He expressed confidence that these collective efforts would help the affected areas regain safety, stability, peace and prosperity in the near future. “May those who lost their lives rest in peace, may the injured recover soon, and may the affected communities rebuild their lives with dignity, resilience and hope.”
Professor Balmukunda Regmi of Tribhuvan University said he was deeply saddened by the news and extended his heartfelt sympathies to those affected. “As always, Nepali people stand with you in this difficult time.” He expressed his sincere admiration for the Chinese government's all-out efforts to carry out rescue operations and provide shelter for those affected, and voiced confidence that the Chinese people would overcome this disaster.
A Foreign Friend: Connects with the Plateau Through Music and Goodwill
Juan A. Siblesz, an Italian-Venezuelan musician, has lived in China for exactly 20 years. He studied at Beijing Foreign Studies University and Yunnan University, and now lives in Lijiang, Yunnan Province. As a musician, he has a keen interest in traditional Chinese ethnic music, which has also deepened his affection for Chinese culture and the Chinese people.
On the morning of October 23, Juan woke up to the shocking news of the earthquake in Baqen County. In his message of sympathy, he said, “My thoughts and prayers go to all the victims. In this terrible time, I hope you can rebuild your lives quickly.” He expressed his sincere admiration for all the efforts made by the Chinese government to rescue those affected by the earthquake, thanked the CPC for supporting the people through difficult times, and wished all rescue workers safety.
Warmth from Afar, Confidence at Home
An earthquake has touched hearts across the world. From the foothills of the Himalayas to the North American continent, and from the banks of the Mekong River to the shores of Erhai Lake, messages of concern and heartfelt wishes have crossed mountains and seas to reach Baqen. These messages from overseas Chinese and foreign friends convey their deep concern for those affected by the earthquake and reflect their recognition of and support for China's earthquake relief efforts.
Reconstruction operations in Baqen are still underway. Those affected have gradually moved into transitional housing with better protection against the cold, while post-disaster reconstruction is proceeding in an orderly manner. With the strong leadership of the Party and the government, support from across the country, and care and encouragement from all sectors of society, the people in the earthquake-hit areas of Baqen will remain confident, stand together and help one another, and rebuild their homes at the earliest possible opportunity.
Editor: Lucy Jiang
