Sharing the experience of self-help and rescue after the earthquake in the Matsubara group earthquake

The Matsubara earthquake was truly one of a kind. It brought a lot of fear and uncertainty to the people around me. I’ve experienced two major earthquakes before — the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake and the 2013 Ya’an earthquake. I was in Chengdu at the time, and I took part in some rescue efforts. Sharing my personal experiences with you during these moments of natural disaster: Earthquakes are terrifying because the ground shakes violently, creating loud noises that can feel like thunder. But what's even more alarming is the chaos that follows. In many cases, people don’t die from the initial tremors, but from panic and poor decisions during the aftermath. Like in an explosion, if you’re hit directly, there’s a better chance of survival. It's the "escape" that often leads to tragedy. During the main shock, buildings collapse, and rocks fall. This is not the time to run — it's the time to take cover. Find a safe spot, like the "triangle of life," as close to the outside of the building as possible. If you get trapped, stay calm, conserve your energy, and think clearly. Don’t panic or struggle; every movement could worsen your situation. Water is more important than food — it's essential for survival. If you can't save yourself, focus on staying alive until help arrives. If you manage to escape, make sure you're prepared. Carry water, food, and basic supplies. If you have a car, check the fuel and find shelter. A tent, warm clothes, and a radio can be lifesavers. Being able to help yourself means you can also help others. Don’t assume everything will be the same after the disaster. Communication may be down, power may go out, and you’ll be alone in the dark. Fear can be overwhelming, especially when you're surrounded by uncertainty. After the quake, finding clean water becomes a huge challenge. Don’t rely on sewers or broken containers. Roads may be blocked, and transportation could be impossible. In Chengdu, traffic was nearly gridlocked. Walking long distances is hard if you're not used to it. Without shelter, sleep is hard to come by, and rain adds to the misery. Hunger, cold, and lack of information can break even the strongest spirit. Having a battery-powered radio can be a lifeline. It gives you updates about rescue efforts and helps maintain your mental strength. I remember being in a tent on the Dajiangan Campus, listening to the radio while it rained outside. We tried to help students in the storm, and their gratitude reminded me how important support and courage are in times of crisis. Rescue operations need to be well-organized. Every second counts. Delaying help can mean the difference between life and death. Tools, medical supplies, and communication lines are all critical. Coordinating resources quickly can save lives. The phrase “The earth moves, but the Chinese spirit doesn’t” stuck with me. It reflects the resilience of people during disasters. Don’t treat earthquakes lightly. They’re not jokes. It’s a matter of life and death. Stay calm, prepare ahead, and keep a positive mindset. Even in the darkest moments, hope and determination can carry us through. Don’t laugh at those who evacuate or bring essentials like water and food. Be respectful, stay composed, and contribute to a positive atmosphere. Experts can provide guidance, but they aren’t always right. Lies may spread, so it's important to think critically and act wisely. Prepare for the worst, but remain hopeful. Even without an earthquake today, the sun will rise tomorrow. Let’s continue to live with purpose, support each other, and promote positivity. (Personal views, for reference only) Shared by Post Bar Users.