April 21st, China’s day of national mourning for victims in Yushu earthquake

7:49 a.m. on April 14^th, Yushu Tibetan autonomous region of Qinghai Province (33.1N, 96.7S, located on the east of Qinghai-Tibet Plateau at an average elevation of 4493.4 meters) was shaken by an earthquake of MS 7.1, resulting in 2064 dead, 175 missing and 12135 injured of which 1434 are of severe condition, as calculated by 5 p.m. April 20^th.

The State Council set April 21^st, the 7^th day since the earthquake, aday of national mourning, all Chinese embassies including abroad ones had their flags flew at half-mast,  public entertainments ceased in mourning. Most websites in China turned grey, some shut down for the day.

This is the second time China hold the day of national mourning for victims died in natural calamities. The last time was for the victims of Wenchuan earthquake of MS 8.0 on May 12^th 2008 that resulted in over 87,000 dead and more than 845 billion yuan economical damage.

Rescuers, doctors, nurses, survivors gathered at the government square of Yushu Jiegu Town to morn.

Rescuers stood in silent tribute.

people attended and witnessed the lowering of the flag at Tiananmen Square before dawn.

A mother shed her tears on the phone when talking to family while her daughter is crying for the pain in feet.

Hailstorm fell on the shaken area on April 20^th making the rescue increasingly difficult.

Homes are in ruins.

Local lamas work with rescue team.

Settlements.

Aerial map of the severely damaged area.

Yushu County of Qinghai Province before the earthquake.

May those who died rest in peace, and those who survive live on well.

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