Quake Kills 32, Injures over 400

Thirty-two people have died, more than 400 injured, over 100,000 homes destroyed or damaged and at least 800,000 affected, after an earthquake hit Sichuan and Yunnan provinces around 4:30 pm on Saturday. The epicenter of the 6.1-magnitude quake was 30 km southeast of Panzhihua city, near the Sichuan-Yunnan border. A 5.6-magnitude aftershock followed on Sunday, but there were no reports of further damage. Altogether, 656 schools have been damaged. Heavy rain, difficult terrain and disruptions in mobile telephone communications are hampering rescue efforts. The injured are being treated in makeshift tents.

(Photo from xinhuanet.com)

Thai Airports Resume Operation

Thai authorities reopened their three international airports yesterday (August 31) after anti-government protesters forced the suspension of services since last Friday. Assisted by the Chinese embassy in Thailand, many stranded Chinese passengers have managed to leave Phuket, returning to China via Bangkok.

Parks Expected to Use the Same Ticket

A deputy to the Guangzhou NPC Committee proposes an all-purpose annual ticket system to allow citizens to visit all parks in Guangzhou at much cheaper prices. The government plans to test run the policy in some parks early next year.