Moment of Silence for those who perished in the Quake

19th May 2008, 1428-1432hrs, the time when the quake hit on 12th May 2008, ten of thousands of Chinese people gathered at TianAnMen Square and observed a moment of silence to mourn for those who who perished in the quake.
The chinese flag was flown at half mast across the globe. Millions across the Chinese Mainland observed a moment of silence. Air raid siren, horns of any sort of vehicles was sounded for that period of 4 minutes as a reminder of the long and destructive quake. Olympic Torch Relay was also halted for 3 days together with any public recreational activities.

News also comes that the quake was actually 8.0 on the Ritcher Scale instead of 7.8 degrees. Watching the news these few days was really heart-wrenching. Survivors are still being extracted this morning around 10am.

The quake may be destructive in nature. Nevertheless, it brings people, especially Chinese around the globe together. Donations comes in from across the globe, concerts are held to raise funds. All sorts!

It also proves the Chinese government of the WORTHY and EFFICIENT EMERGENCY RESPONSE PROCEDURES AND MANAGEMENT. Aids to those who are affected arrived within hours. Hundred thousands of the Chinese PLA was also deployed to help in SAR operations. Where road transport is cut off, paratroopers are deployed, unbelievable numbers of helicopters are used to transport troops and humanitarian aids to those affected, especially to Wenchuan, the epicenter of the quake, in which road is totally cut off.
It really touches me of what humanity can do in times of great needs, where everyone stand along together, side by side, shoulders to shoulders digging stones, rubbles with their bare hands, trying their best, not giving up hope in search for survivors and racing with time.

May God bless those who are affected to be strong in their coming days.