A female police officer is taking care of a child affected by the earthquake at the epicenter Tsogo Township of Dingri County in Southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region on January 9, 2025. Photo: Cui Meng/GT

When the 6.8 magnitude earthquake struck Dingri county, Xigaze, Southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region on Tuesday, the disaster coincided with the winter vacation. The affected people in this earthquake also include many teenagers and children. Providing counseling to alleviate their post-earthquake trauma has become a key focus of disaster relief efforts. During a visit to Tangren village in Cuoguo town, which suffered significant damage from the earthquake, reporters from the Global Times found comprehensive rescue efforts underway, with social workers promptly reaching the disaster area to provide psychological counseling for the affected teenagers and children.

People who are affected by the 6.8-magnitude earthquake in the Tsogo Township of Dingri County, Southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region. Photo: Cui Meng/GT

"We are still a bit worried and scared," said the 7-year-old child Drolkar and 10-year-old child Tenzin, both from Tangren village, told the Global Times. When they saw reporters, they smiled and greeted warmly. However, during the conversation, they, along with some other children, shared lingering fears about the earthquake.

"We are focused on addressing the stress response some children are experiencing following the earthquake. Our current task is to help them overcome their psychological difficulties," Tenzin and Tseten Lhamo, from the Xizang Starlight Social Work Service Center, told the Global Times. 

Earthquake relief supplies including food, beverages, and essential daily necessities are being continuously sent to the epicenter Tsogo Township of Dingri County in Southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region on January 9, 2025. Photo: Cui Meng/GT

 

A batch of heating stoves arrives at the epicenter Tsogo Township of Dingri County in Southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region on January 9, 2025. The local temperature difference between day and night is exceptionally pronounced, making heating equipment a necessity for the population affected by the earthquake. Photo: Cui Meng/GT

 

The earthquake-affected residents are lining up to receive food at the epicenter Tsogo Township of Dingri County in Southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region on January 9, 2025. Photo: Cui Meng/GT

They mentioned that after the earthquake occurred, with the assistance of the Communist Youth League of China (CYLC) Xizang local committee, they began preparing relief supplies and coordinating vehicles on the morning of the Tuesday, and they arrived in Tangren village around 2 am on Wednesday. 

Currently, they have set up temporary classrooms in Tangren village and are offering psychological counseling using children's reading materials donated by various organizations. 

"This method is very effective. Through reading, we can help children face their emotions and fears correctly. Through some group activities, we can also help look after the children in the disaster area, as their parents may be busy with rescue efforts," said Lhamo.

Earthquake relief supplies including food, beverages, and essential daily necessities are being continuously sent to the epicenter Tsogo Township of Dingri County in Southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region on January 9, 2025. Photo: Cui Meng/GT

The Global Times reporters also found that in addition to psychological counseling, rescue teams are extending care to children in the affected areas. Beyond basic necessities, items such as milk powder and diapers are continuously being sent to the region.

A member of the disaster relief team from the public security bureau of Gyangze county of Xigaze told the Global Times that during the rescue process, they also noted that Tangren village faces particular challenges, as many young children are being raised by elderly relatives while their parents work elsewhere, and the children are being raised by elderly relatives. 

To meet their needs, essential supplies like milk powder and diapers are being delivered directly to households. "At this stage, basic supplies in the disaster areas are sufficient, and any additional needs of the affected families are being quickly addressed," said the member.

Earthquake relief supplies including food, beverages, and essential daily necessities are being continuously sent to the epicenter Tsogo Township of Dingri County in Southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region on January 9, 2025. Photo: Cui Meng/GT