12 May 2008 was a sad day for everyone, especially for the people in Sichuan, as they experienced a mega earthquake at 14:28 on that day. The epicenter was in Wenchuan County in Sichuan, with a magnitude of 8.0 Ms, according to PRC's China Seismological Bureau. Many people could not escape, which resulted in an enormous death toll. Official reports state that as of 3 June, 69,019 have died and 373,573 have been injured, with 18,627 listed as missing. Survivors are still worrying about their families and their own safety, as fifty-two major aftershocks, ranging in magnitude from 4.4 to 6.0, were recorded within 72 hours after the main quake.
Let's not forget the equally devastating storm in Burma on 2nd and 3rd May, which tore through Burma, razing thousands of buildings and smashing up streets. According to a BBC report, more than 130,000 people have died or gone missing and 2.5 million are in need of food, shelter and medicine
Many people and organizations from different countries have been doing their best to help the victims, so has our school.
Starting from 15th May, our school carried out a series of programmes which were about the earthquake and the storm. These programmes were held by the Moral and Civic Education Committee, Religious and Evangelical Affairs Committee, the Hong Kong Red Cross Youth Unit, as well as the Community Youth Club.
On 15 May, all of us stayed in our classrooms after school to watch a very meaningful and informative broadcast about the destructive power of these disasters.
From 19 -21 May, a fund-raising activity was held in the morning and after school. Our student helpers stood at the school entrance with donation boxes, encouraging us to give help. Many teachers also supported the action not only by donating money, but also by raising money at the school entrance. Feeling wonderful about the event, Mr. Chui said this was a great action and it was really meaningful for all of us to do something for the victims. With the support from teachers, students, staff members and parents, we raised a total of $ 238,780 for Sichuan and Burma. The donation will be given to the Hong Kong Red Cross.
3A Lau Kok Hong, 3A Ng Yat Hin and 3A Liu Suet Wing
