2008 China Earthquake Orphans
By Hong Zhang
After the devastating China earthquake at May 12, thousands children were turned to orphans overnight. Their fate became the hot topic of numerous articles, discussions and forums. Tens of thousands of families, inside and outside China, extended their hands and offered to provide these young victims a safe harbor to grow up. Many news agencies have opened up hot line for adoption. For example, as of today, just in Sina.com, a popular Internet portal, there are 91,547 applications from China and 304 from abroad.
In another popular portal, Netease.com, 128,643 netizens expressed their inclination to take one home. China Life, the largest insurance company in China, even announced that they would cover all the living expenses of these kids before they turn to 18. Well, there are about “only” 4000 (which I wish to be 0) earthquake orphans according to the local government of Sichuan, where the earthquake stroke. Given the large number of the willing families and the sensitivity of the case, it can be expected that there will be a strict process of selection.
Meanwhile, although there is a strong demand of adopting the earthquake orphans, it will be too early to see it happen anytime soon. First, the relief work is still underway after just one month of the earthquake with nearly twenty thousands people are still missing. Many children are still considered “temporary” orphans since their parents are still considered missing. Second, the identify of every child needs to be verified. It is difficult since many kids are still too young to give complete information. Third, the children have to undergo physical and psychological recovery first to help them heal the injury and trauma brought by the earthquake and its consequences. If not treated properly, the shadow may accompany them a long time even after they are adopted and seemingly behave normally.
Compare to the aftermath of Tangshan earthquake at 1976, which recorded a death toll of more than 240 thousands, there were about equal number of earthquake orphans under 16 left. About three quarters are adopted by relatives or caring families, and the others were sent to orphanages or similar organizations. With better living condition, stronger government and social support, and the effect of one child policy, it is not surprise to expect that all Sichuan earthquake orphans will find a loving family and be cared and educated well. For the mental health, a good news we can bank on is that the majority of the Tangshan earthquake orphans are doing well today.
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