InfoAnda - Huge recovery effort revives China's quake zone

Pakistanis angry over detentions in Times Sq. case
Monday, May 24, 2010
ISLAMABAD – Relatives of three men detained by Pakistan for alleged links to the suspect in the attempted Times Square bombing say the men are innocent.
They

Taiwan denies boycotting Australian film festival
Thursday, August 6, 2009

AFP - Thursday, August 6TAIPEI (AFP) - - Taiwan's Beijing-friendly government on Wednesday denied boycotting an Australian film festival amid a row over the e

Merkel's support dips, regional ally resigns International
Thursday, September 3, 2009

By Sarah Marsh and Noah Barkin

BERLIN (Reuters) - Chancellor Angela Merkel suffered a double blow on Thursday as a senior party ally in east German

Minister seeks closure of anti-Berlusconi websites
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
ROME (AFP) - – The Italian government moved Tuesday to close down Internet sites encouraging further violence against Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, who

Asian markets mixed after Wall Street rally
Wednesday, March 18, 2009

By ELAINE KURTENBACH,AP Business Writer AP - Wednesday, March 18SHANGHAI - Asia's stock market rally seemed to be running out of steam Wednesday, despite an

Ailing Dennis Hopper gets Hollywood star | | 27 March 2010
Chinese city orders closures of two fake Apple shops | | 25 July 2011
Gaddafi accepts peace plan but rebels say he must go | | 11 April 2011

North Korea warns South's airliners during drills | International | | 5 March 2009

Forum Views () Forum Replies ()

Read more with google mobile : Huge recovery effort revives China's quake zone

Yahoo! My Yahoo! Mail More Yahoo! Services Account Options New User? Sign Up Sign In Help Yahoo! Search web search Home Singapore Asia Pacific World Business Entertainment Sports Technology Australia China India Indonesia Japan Malaysia Philippines Thailand Vietnam Huge recovery effort revives China's quake zone By CHRISTOPHER BODEEN,Associated Press Writer - Tuesday, February 9 Send IM Story Print WENCHUAN, China – Couples gather near dusk to practice ballroom dancing by the new cultural center, twirling leisurely in the heart of a city so devastated by the 2008 Sichuan earthquake that leaders had planned to simply seal it off and rebuild elsewhere. Down the road at Wenchuan's new "House of Sunshine" apartment complex, families move into just-completed units, and Qiang ethnic minority women in vibrantly colored aprons line up at a new 200-bed hospital that was built in just 90 days. As Haiti struggles with the fallout from last month's devastating earthquake, China is showing off the results of its massive drive to rebuild its own quake zone in this seismically active corner of southwest China, where sheer peaks and deep valleys form the foothills of the Tibetan plateau. Just 22 months after the 7.9-magnitude temblor struck, swaths of exposed rock and dirt that appear to have been clawed out of the mountain sides are the only immediate signs of the devastation that left nearly 90,000 dead or missing and another 5 million homeless. "We've recovered pretty quick," said Song Jinfeng, a project manager strolling beside Wenchuan's Min river that had been the only route of escape after the quake sent rock slides hurtling down the slopes, blocking all major roads. "It's housing first, then basic infrastructure, public services and finally jobs," Song said, listing the project's oft repeated priorities. Key to this success has been the allocation of about $11 billion in government reconstruction funds, an option not available to impoverished Haiti, where January's 7.0-magnitude earthquake killed an estimated 200,000 people and left 3 million in need of food, shelter and medicine. While per capita annual incomes in the Sichuan quake zones hover at around 3,000 yuan ($440), China's booming economy and surging government revenues mean there is no shortage of funding. Add to that fiscal muscle China's powerful manufacturing and construction capacity, a surfeit of engineering expertise, and strong transport infrastructure. A further advantage in China's topdown communist system, which is suited to such crisis response, setting clear goals without lengthy discussion, and providing a cadre of party officials accountable to the leadership. Though corruption in China is rampant _ and is thought to have played a role in Sichuan's devastation because many of the quake-zone buildings were poorly built _ this reconstruction project has been subject to an unusually high level of scrutiny by the central government. Top leaders have visited on multiple occasions and promised to spare no effort in getting the area back on its feet, essentially staking their legacy to the region's rapid recovery. To help speed the recovery and provide added oversight, China's central government ordered every province, region and major city in the country to adopt an affected county and provide funds and expertise. The relatively wealthy eastern province of Shandong has overseen Wenchuan's rebuilding with designs meant to minimize damage from any future quakes. Crowded neighborhoods were bulldozed and new buildings constructed well clear of the steep valley walls. At the House of Sunshine, the family of middle school teacher Zhang Xia, 40, is settling into a 1,000 square-foot (100 square-meter) apartment. Since the quake they have lived in a prefabricated unit and a tent before that. "It has been scary at times, but now we finally feel like we're home," Zhang said. Replacement homes are provided free to the neediest families, while others are granted about 40,000 yuan ($5,900) for a down payment and offered loans of up to 200,000 yuan ($29,400). Construction costs are higher than for similar projects elsewhere in China, partly because of a dearth of workers and the need to truck in supplies. Also, engineering experts from China's leading universities were recruited to design buildings capable of withstanding quakes of up to magnitude-9.0. The structures have thicker walls, heavier steel beams and extra iron reinforcing. Poor designs and shoddy construction were blamed for the collapse of so many schools during the quake _ almost 7,000 classrooms crumbled and 5,335 students were killed. To assuage public anger, central government and local officials promised not to cut corners in the reconstruction and to enforce higher safety codes. While officials ultimately decided to salvage Wenchuan, the destroyed county seat of Beichuan and its 240,0000 residents are being moved 20 miles (30 kilometers) out of the mountains to former farming land below. The move is among the trickiest of the recovery projects, with difficulties including adjusting rural dwellers to urban life and factory work, says project manager Song Wenhua. Land and housing distribution is always a prickly subject in China, and there are no guarantees that all will be satisfied, he said. Officials also need to ensure that the local economy can produce enough jobs to prevent large-scale outward migration. New Beichuan's leaders have attracted industries from food processing to electronics, but concede that ensuring employment isn't as easy as pouring concrete. "There are a tremendous number of problems to solve, but we first have to get people into their homes," said Song, referencing a target for all housing to be finished by that quake's two-year anniversary on May 12. Meanwhile, parents who lost children in the mass collapse of schools are being excepted from strict rules limiting most families to a single child. Family planning officials in Beichuan's Leigu township say they identified 349 local women who qualify. So far, 61 have given birth and 13 are pregnant, said clinic director Wang Fang. At her clinic on the fringe of a cluster of prefabricated housing, Lu Caiqiong, 37, bounces six-month-old son Luo Junling on her knee ahead of a checkup. "There was so much grief, uncertainty, and economic pressure, said Lu, whose 14-year-old daughter died in the rubble of her school. "We can't think too much about the future, but it is like a new beginning." Recommend Send IM Story Print Related Articles Britain hits grim milestone before major attack AP - 2 hours 1 minute ago Sri Lankan opposition leader arrested for sedition AP - 2 hours 22 minutes ago NATO says Afghans to play big role in offensive AP - 2 hours 31 minutes ago Huge recovery effort revives China's quake zone AP - Tuesday, February 9 Sri Lankan opposition leader Fonseka arrested AP - Tuesday, February 9 News Search Top Stories Toyota pulls ads from US TV network: report Study confirms link between maternal age and autism Saints go marching in with Super Bowl win over Colts Geithner confident investors will stick by US bonds Poor weather delays US shuttle launch More Top Stories » ADVERTISEMENT Most Popular Most Viewed Most Recommended G7 preoccupied with eurozone debt, China 'bubble' JPMorgan's chief reaps 16-million-dollar bonus Jackson doctor to be charged Monday: prosecutors Saints go marching in with Super Bowl win over Colts Geithner confident investors will stick by US bonds More Most Viewed » Fury heats up after new AIG bonuses More Most Recommended » Elsewhere on Yahoo! Financial news on Yahoo! Finance Stars and latest movies Best travel destinations More on Yahoo! News Home Singapore Asia Pacific World Business Entertainment Sports Technology Subscribe to our news feeds Top StoriesMy Yahoo!RSS » More news feeds | What are news feeds? Also on Yahoo Answers Groups Mail Messenger Mobile Travel Finance Movies Sports Games » All Yahoo! Services Site Highlights Singapore Full Coverage Most Popular Asia Entertainment Photos Copyright © 2010 Yahoo! Southeast Asia Pte. Ltd. (Co. Reg. No. 199700735D). All Rights Reserved. Terms of Service | Privacy Policy | Community | Intellectual Property Rights Policy | Help

Other News on Tuesday, 9 February 2010
West Bank to hold municipal elections July 17
In rare TV advertising foray, Google runs Super Bowl ad
Study confirms link between maternal age and autism
Iran's reformist leaders reject links to foreigners
Barnes & Noble's 'Nook' coming to stores this week
Internet prompts the publishing itch in over-60s
Palestinians set terms for talks as violence flares |
Yemen al Qaeda urges jihad, wants Red Sea blocked |
Palestinians want peace talks to focus on borders
Barnes & Noble's Nook e-reader to hit stores
Disney, Google eye stake in China bus media firm
Taliban defiant as Afghans flee ahead of assault
Intel Israel exports jump 145 pct, seeks grant for expansion
Vodafone Enterprise signs 4-year Oracle deal
Pressure grows for Iran sanctions over atomic plans
Iran enrichment plan sparks sanctions threat
Saudi rights panel take up child bride case |
Frightened Afghans flee offensive in opium valley
Haiti studies Colombian town for quake rebuilding |
Iraqi PM: Appeals panel can review election law
Huge recovery effort revives China's quake zone
Sri Lankan opposition leader Fonseka arrested
China finds 170 more tons of tainted milk powder
Taiwan's birth rate hits record low in 2009
NY Gov. Paterson won't resign, spokeswoman says
Bus plunges down ravine in south China, killing 7
Ag Secretary pushes school nutrition plan
AP NewsAlert
Report: Toyota plans to recall 300,000 Priuses
Barzee pleads guilty to charge in Smart case
Avalanche kills 17 Indian soldiers in Kashmir
Official: Toll should stand at 5 in plant blast
Cleared drug agent in Ohio hopes return to duty
Pakistan: 6 militants targeting Americans arrested
New federal climate change agency forming
AP NewsAlert
Former Philly officer to be charged with murder
Investigators hunt cause of giant US blast
APNewsBreak: Officer to retrieve Edwards sex tape
Taylor Lautner in 'Stretch Armstrong' movie: studio
Reports: Toyota plans to recall 300,000 Priuses
Hollywood names up for Olivier theatre awards
Chinese firm adopts much-loved panda for 60,000 dollars
Report: Toyota plans to recall 300,000 Priuses
Super Bowl is most watched TV show ever
Jackson doctor charged in singer's death |
Doctor finally facing charge in Jackson death
Sam Worthington to star in 'Texas Killing Fields'
Jolie, Pitt sue British newspaper for libel |
Record 106.5 million Americans watch Super Bowl |
Up in the Air lifts spirits of some unemployed |
Dubai closes top deck at world's tallest tower
Taylor Lautner in 'Stretch Armstrong' movie: studio
Japanese monk gets down with the beat for Buddhism
Barnes & Noble's Nook e-reader to hit stores
Japanese monk gets down with the beat for Buddhism |
Nominees for the 2010 Laurence Olivier Awards
Hollywood names up for Olivier theatre awards
Broadcaster fined over killing a rat on TV show |
Key powers push for tougher sanctions against Iran
Estonia's eurozone moves raise concern in Latvia
Intel, IBM roll out new computer network chips
All eyes on Tymoshenko after Ukraine vote defeat
Britain's Afghan deaths pass Falklands
US magazine circulation slides
Sugary soft drinks linked to pancreatic cancer: study
Iran to stop enrichment if given nuclear fuel
Pressure grows for Iran sanctions over atomic plans |
New EU Commission team to get green light, finally
Startup lets webcams detect people
Tel Aviv "savior" accused of enslaving women
North Korea's Kim pledges to remove nuclear weapons |
Google appeals French book scan decision: lawyer
Abbas mulls peace talks; expects U.S. answers soon |
Thain at helm, CIT to prepay 750 million dollars of debt
Arrested general hell-bent on betrayal: Sri Lanka |
Palestinians set terms for talks as violence flares
Chavez declares electricity emergency in Venezuela |
Toyota faces fresh questions over recall response
Iran's resistance keeps up cat-and-mouse web game |
China quake activist jailed for inciting subversion |
China builds lighthouse to back East China Sea claim |
China quake activist jailed for inciting subversion
Fortune tellers: Year of Tiger isn't Tiger's year
Australia spends $173 million on airport security
Sri Lanka's presidential loser faces court martial
Activists ambush Japanese whalers in Antarctic seas
Report: NKorea's Kim reiterates disarmament pledge
Ex-army chief to face Sri Lanka court martial
Astronauts inspect shuttle on way to space station
Cattle battle: NZealand has more cows than kiwis
Disney, Google eye stake in China bus media firm |
North Korea's Kim pledges to remove nuclear weapons
Rep. John Murtha, voice for veterans, dies at 77
Seats at a premium on planes, trains out of DC
Cross-sections of Maine giant elm to be displayed
Man rescued after 3 days in snow-covered SUV in CO
NY mom accused of beer run guilty in tot's death
Congressman: Murtha's intestine damaged in surgery
Obama's healthcare summit sets stage for end-game
Neb. Democrat joins GOP to oppose labor nominee
Negligence? Conn. gas blast criminal probe begins
Keith Carradine's ex-wife sentenced for perjury
Jolie, Pitt sue British newspaper for libel
China's biggest bank tightens lending controls
China discloses buying spree in US companies
Japan govt: Prius hybrids to be recalled worldwide
Jackson doctor pleads not guilty in singer's death
Shanghai pension deficit, retirement age raise plan
Andre Leon Talley to judge 'Top Model'
Sheen charged with assaulting wife; they hug in court
FACTBOX-S.Korea policymakers' comments on economy, policy
Record Super Bowl telecast tops "M*A*S*H" record
`Dear John' delivers No. 1 debut with $30.5M
PAKISTAN
Keith Carradine's ex-wife sentenced for perjury
Judge says Charlie Sheen can see wife
S.Korea inflation pressures build, PPI hits 10-mth high
Jackson doctor pleads not guilty in singer's death |
'Bioshock' sequel returns to morally-battered Rapture
Sheen charged with assaulting wife; they hug in court |
Record 106.5 million Americans watch Super Bowl
NZ to reform taxes but rules out land, gains tax
China evading US duties via third nations: group
Record Super Bowl telecast tops M*A*S*H record |
Japan plane seat maker admits false safety data
Google warns Chinese knock-off to stop using logo
French intellectual caught quoting fake philosopher
NATO remains 'serious' threat to Russia: official
Ukraine's Tymoshenko girds to contest result |
Gamer to pay Nintendo $1.3 mln for illegal upload
Third-hand smoke also bad for you: study
Jackson doctor denies manslaughter charge
Over 60 feared dead in Afghan avalanches |
Moscow says U.S. missile shield aimed at Russia |
Most banned Iraqi poll candidates' appeals rejected |
Cyprus president says will press on with talks |
Yemen getting tougher with Somalis on Qaeda fears |
Two decades after Mandela's release, South Africa struggles |
Iran's resistance keeps up cat-and-mouse Web game |
Google warns Chinese knock-off to stop using logo |
Afghan avalanches kill at least 28, strand 1,500
1 dead after student groups clash in Bangladesh
First lady begins fight against childhood obesity
UN appeals for $538M in Pakistan humanitarian aid
Afghan avalanches kill at least 28, strands 1,500
More snow to hit storm-battered east coast
Rights group: Vedanta mine would hurt India tribes
Minn. bridge collapse widow adopts Haitian twins
Shanghai dissident held as city tightens security
Obama to sign proclamation on childhood obesity
TV show fined in Australia for killing, eating rat
Lawmaker: Taiwan still wants US subs
The nation's weather
China sentences quake activist to 5 years' jail
Officials ask Anthem to justify rate hike in Calif
New round of storms threatens SoCal foothill towns
SI swimsuit edition puts Roddick's wife on cover
Pakistani o/n rates lower; rupee firms; stocks down
Jolie, Pitt sue British newspaper
India car sales hit record high lifted by recovery
China auto sales hit record high in January
Ringo Starr honored with Walk of Fame star
Japan Airlines rejects Delta, stays with American
Doubts over China coal deal with Australian miner
Taiwan's young malt a surprise whisky winner
Cambodian firm plans $100 million sugar plant JV
Cambodia asks US to cancel $339 million debt
German exports post steepest fall since 1950
US-ENTERTAINMENT Summary
Jolie, Pitt sue British newspaper
Absent Polanski to dominate Berlin film festival
Absent Polanski to dominate Berlin film festival |
Kung fu thriller leads Hong Kong award nominations
Jolie, Pitt sue British newspaper |
HK studio behind 'TMNT,' 'Astro Boy' shuts down
Czech beer drinkers shrug off crisis to stay top of world
No sour grapes for Lebanon's wine-making monks
Avatar loses box office crown to Dear John |
Peru toasts pisco boom in annual cocktail day
Hollywood names up for Olivier theater awards |
Rapper Lil Wayne to be sentenced in NYC gun case
Greece at new risk of being pushed off euro
Bodies of missing Tenn. mom, Jo Ann Bain, and daughter found
Female Breasts Are Bigger Than Ever
AMD Trinity Accelerated Processing Units Now in Volume Production
The Avengers (2012 film), made the second biggest opening- and single-day gross of all-time
AMD to Start Production of piledriver
Ivy Bridge Quad-Core, Four-Thread Desktop CPUs
Islamists Protest Lady Gaga's Concert in Indonesia
Japan Successfully Broadcasts an 8K Signal Over the Air
ECB boosts loans to 1 trillion Euro to stop credit crunch
Egypt : Mohammed Morsi won with 52 percent
What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up
AMD Launches AMD Embedded R-Series APU Platform
Fed Should not Ignore Emerging Market Crisis
Fed casts shadow over India, emerging markets
Why are Chinese tourists so rude? A few insights

USD EUR - 1 year graph		BlogMeter 1.01