Quake facts

THE earthquake on May 12 had killed more than 20,000 by last Friday. And the number of deaths is likely to grow. Why do earthquakes happen? The surface of the Earth is made up of many pieces. These pieces are always moving. When two plates (板块) of the Earth slip past each other, an earthquake happens.

China has a lot of earthquakes. The country is on the boundary line (接壤线) between the Eurasian Plate (欧亚板块) and the Pacific Plate (太平洋板块). Several neighboring plates move against each other quite often here.

 

Beating the blues

Many kids have lost their moms and dads. Many are scared (吓坏的). What can we do to help them get through these bad times? Teens talked with Lin Dan, a doctor with the Red Cross in China.

Q: How can we help the troubled students?

A: Let them know they can trust us. Show that we care and that we''re their friends.

We have to make them feel safe. We need to tell them all problems can be worked out. Most importantly, we''re always going to be there for them. Also, suffering (受苦的) people often need to talk. Remember it''s a big help to be a good listener.

Q: Some of us were not directly affected by the quake but have seen images on TV and feel scared. What should we do?

A: Talk with an adult or find someone you can talk to. If this doesn''t help, you can ask a parent to take you to see a doctor.

Things you need to know

A LITTLE knowledge  can make a big difference at a time of life or death. Do you know what to do when an earthquake happens?

If you''re inside:

1. Stay where you are. Quickly move under a strong desk, a strong table or along a wall. This will protectyou from falling things. Do not get into a lift during an earthquake.

2. Don''t stand near windows, large mirrors, heavy furniture (家具), or fireplaces.

If you''re outside:

1. Move away from buildings and streetlights. These could fall on you.

2. Drop to the ground until the shaking stops.

Know what to do in an earthquake

AN earthquake is dangerous. But this doesn't mean you can't do something about it. Your choices can help save your life:

 
Keep a cool head. Worry may result in bad decisions. Do not follow others blindly (盲目地). Think about what you should do. The first several seconds are important.

If you are inside during an earthquake, hide under a table or desk. Protect your head. Keep away from windows and things that could fall on you.

If you are outside, move away from buildings and street lights. They could fall and hurt you.

If you are in a crowded room away from the door, don't rush to the exit (出口). You will find too many people trying to get out at the same time. Instead, hide under a desk or table. Do not use an elevator (电梯). You might get trapped (困住). ()