First 72 hours after the tremor

It was an ordinary Saturday morning. On April 20 at 8:02, an earthquake measuring 7.0 on the Richter pounded Ya’an, Sichuan Province. UNICEF photo-journalists were on the ground helping to document the situation of children within hours. Now, with more than 190 deaths and over 12,000 injuries counted so far, the toll on families and children is beginning to be seen in sharper focus.

UNICEF video cameraman Zhang Huicong arrived in Lushan County, the epicenter of a 7.0 earthquake, before the end of 20 April, the same day it rocked this southwestern rural county of Sichuan. His colleague, UNICEF still photographer Zhao Heting, followed quickly to the scene of the disaster.They have covered most ground either on foot or by hitchhiking. 

 April 22, 2013, children were playing in a tent in a temporary settlement area in Baoxing County.

 April 22, 2013, buildings and roads were damaged seriously in Baoxing County after the earthquake. A boy was sitting on a rock and his parents were cooking.

April 21, 2013, a child was living in the van after the earthquake, Longdong township, Lushan County.

April 21, 2013, a child was eating instant noodle in a temporary settlement area in Baoxing County.

April 22, 2013, two children were playing near a landslide in Baoxing County.

April 21, 2013, a mountain road damaged as a result of a landslide in Lingguan Township, Lushan County.

April 21, 2013, a mother was in tears as she recalled how the tremor hit her family, Modao Village, Lushan County

April 21, 2013, a family was living in the van after their home was damaged in the earthquake, Longdong Township.

April 22, 2013, children were eating in front of a tent in a temporary settlement area in Baoxing County.

April 21, 2013, a child was eating instant noodles in a temporary settlement area, Longdong township.

April 21, 2013, two children were playing in a temporary settlement area of Baoxin County.