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Earthquake: Lets sleep in the park
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| [Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note |
As many of you will know, a huge earthquake struck China yesterday, and already the estimated death toll is 10,000 but it will likely be a large number more as many of the places close to the epicentre are yet to be reached. In some towns nearby reports say that 80% of the buildings have collapsed.
Baoji, where I live, is around 300miles from the epicentre and also experienced violent shaking which lasted for around 1 minute, maybe more. Coming from the UK (a tectonically inactive part of the world) earthquakes are not something I'm used to, and being 4 floors up the the quake hit was a scary experience. Buildings really aren't meant to be shaken that much, and I honestly believe it couldn't have taken a great deal more without collapsing. The whole building shook violently from left to right, and also up and down. The walls cracked, guttering collapsed, chunks of concrete fell off the outside walls, things fell over in the apartment and people were running, shouting and screaming from their apartments. Many old people were particularly upset and I saw some crying from the shock of it, but Baoji survived pretty much intact.
I'll be honest and say I was more concerned with my life than getting the camera, and in the rush out I didn't take it and capture any of these scenes. There were reports of more and more aftershocks that would be coming all through the day and night, and a large one hit at around 4am local time. Because of these continual reports most people would not return to their apartments, and this is what I have captured. Normally this building would be completely illuminated at night with light in most windows, but yesterday only a few brave souls were inside.
Most people spent the night in the park, including myself and friends. I wish I could have captured something more interesting, but hey: you live you learn! and this photo is more about the story behind it. |
vinicio, THY, skippy007, BennyV has marked this note useful
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Wow, some people are very brave. The lights in the building tell some of them come back to the shaking building.
Your note say all about the bad moment, other than this you have still done a beautiful night image that with your note have more interest, compliments Lee, well done.
Ciao
Vinicio
Taken during those moments of fear. Modern built skyscrapers survived the quake though older structure (specially those built from bricks) suffered most damages and mostly collapsed and killed thousands.
Well nothing can be more scary in taking images in a situation like this. Images of death and destruction I feel is the darker side of life. A reality, perhaps man has to accept and live with the destructive nature that surrounds us. In photo journalism they do feature images that inform moreso shock the real world. The decisive moment you featured here is indeed a reality that we felt and heard all over the news.
May GOD be with us all.
- THY
![Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 94 W: 64 N: 98]](http://i1.trekearth.com/misc/g-g-g.gif)
(1541) - [2008-05-16 9:28]
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Thanks for sharing.
Your notes are fruitful.
China have received warm regards from all over the world.
This is really an intimate world.
Our army has tried their best.
Some of them died in the rescue.
We could never win the God who is the creator of the world.
Thanks for your sharing withus.
THY
Hello Lee, Nice shot even though apart for the lack of lights really does not tell us the real story of a very tragic event, your note does. I guess your camera was the last thing on your mind & acted on instinct.
Thanks
Take care
Santo
![Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 338 W: 0 N: 1608]](http://i1.trekearth.com/misc/g-n-g.gif)
(8379)![Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 597 W: 39 N: 249]](http://i1.trekearth.com/misc/g-s-g.gif)
(1287)
(DannieOzzie needs therapy!) Good reporting, keep on telling us the story.