Tang Shan Earthquake C&C

Thirdfox · 28-01-2008 7:59pm #1

This is a photo taken at the university located in Tang Shan in China.

30 odd years ago the new library for the university was just constructed. Then a massive earthquake struck the city - hundreds of thousands people died (some believe up to 650,000). Whole families (who received no prewarning) perished together.

It was very chilling to go to the site of the library (preserved by the university nowadays). I think this flower symbolises the hope and regeneration that the city has experienced. Hopefully the government will never be so foolish as to repeat this mistake (they chose not to give an earthquake warning - in case they lose face if it was a false warning and after the disaster refused international aid).

Chinese people had to learn of the disaster from foreign newspapers...

This was one of the cases we looked at in Constitutional law back in Beijing University (the professor was highly critical of the government). I suppose I am wondering have I captured the fragility of the city? C&C welcomed (maybe someday I'll have the opportunity to go back and shoot it again).

City-Exile · 28-01-2008 8:01pm

Quite moving story behind that image.
It's a beautiful picture!

CraggyIslander · 28-01-2008 11:29pm

wonder where stpehen king got his idea for the flower in the dark tower series....

Thirdfox · 28-01-2008 11:43pm

Thanks City - and I just remembered that this photo was taken with my point and shoot (KM G530). But it is better and more important to me than any of the thousands of photos I've taken with the "better" dSLR.

Tang Shan Earthquake C&C

Comments