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Anniversary haunts quake-zone officials on edge

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2009-04-22 15:47

Sichuan provincial government has compelled officials in quake-affected areas to take vacations.

"Do Saturdays and Sundays exist on your calendar?" asks Feng's colleague, Ma Haiyan, when asked if he has taken days off.

People step into the ruins of Beichuan to mourn over their deceased relatives in May 12 Earthquake, in Beichuan, a quake-jolted county of southwest China's Sichuan Province, April 2, 2009. [Xinhua]

"I have been too busy to have a vacation," says Wu Kaiming, director of the publicity department of Wenchuan County.

"Even if I did take days off, my mind would be filled with agendas for today and tomorrow," he says.  "I'm better off staying in the office."

Wu admits his stress is often vented in quarrels with his wife.

Zhang Tongrong recalls how he was unable to visit his father before he died of liver cancer.

"I can't behave like this in public," says Zhang, vice Party chief of Wenchuan, visibly upset. "I must show my strength and trustworthiness to the people."

The welfare of local officials deserves more care and attention as it significantly affects reconstruction, says Xu Kaiwen, a psychologist with Beijing University.

"There is always a limit to how much pressure or how serious a psychological trauma one can stand," says Xu. "A glass can be big or small, but if the water keeps pouring in, it will overflow eventually. Grassroots officials are among those under the most pressure. This could cause problems if they get no help.

Related readings:  Sichuan earthquake claims new victim  Mental support for quake victims  Mourn quake victims on Tomb-Sweeping Day  Tears, prays for quake victims on Tomb Sweeping Day

"Their psychological condition will directly affect the efficiency and effect of policies made at higher levels," warns Xu, who has been researching trauma after the Tangshan Earthquake, which killed more than 242,000 people on July 28, 1976.

Xu says sustainable and reliable psychological aid should be provided to local officials. "Ideally doctors should regularly meet their patients, help them feel assured and repair parts of their relations with others."

Wu Kaiming hopes he and his colleagues can relax a while after the first anniversary.

"But I really doubt it. The reconstruction does not allow us to stop for a rest. Time waits for nobody."

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