It has been over a week since a powerful magnitude-6.8 earthquake struck Dingri County in southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region on January 7. The tremor left communities devastated, homes damaged, and lives disrupted. Amid the ongoing resettlement and reconstruction efforts, a team of firefighters from the Xizang Forest Firefighting Special Operations Unit has taken on an unexpected role: preparing meals for the affected villagers of Cuo'ang Village, Quluo Town.
On a crisp morning in Cuo'ang Village, the aroma of freshly cooked food fills the air as firefighters swap their usual duties for aprons and cooking utensils. Led by their dedication to serve beyond the call of duty, they are not only ensuring the safety of the villagers but also providing comfort through warm meals.
\"Our primary mission is to protect lives and properties,\" says Wang Wei, a member of the firefighting unit. \"But in times like these, supporting the community in every possible way is just as important.\"
The firefighters have set up a makeshift kitchen in the village center, where they prepare traditional dishes using locally sourced ingredients. The meals are a welcome respite for the villagers, many of whom have lost their homes and are living in temporary shelters.
Villager Tashi Dolma expresses her gratitude: \"The firefighters have been a lifeline for us. Their kindness gives us strength to rebuild our lives.\"
The earthquake has prompted a wide-ranging response from authorities and volunteers across the region. Emergency services are working tirelessly to restore infrastructure, while medical teams provide care to the injured. The firefighters' initiative to cook meals exemplifies the spirit of solidarity that has emerged in the wake of the disaster.
As reconstruction progresses, the collaborative efforts between the firefighters and the villagers highlight the resilience of the community. Their shared meals symbolize more than sustenance; they represent hope and unity in the face of adversity.
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Watch: Firefighters make lunch for quake-affected villagers in Xizang
cgtn.com
