Beichuan County in Sichuan Province was one of the hardest-hit areas from the devastating earthquake in China. The county was almost destroyed and survivors have been transferred to the nearby city of Mianyang. CRI reporter Xu Weiyi takes a look at the life of these relocated victims.

Reporter:

A dozen children are playing outside the Jiuzhou Gymnasium in Mianyang. It's hard to believe that these cheerful kids come from the hardest hit area - Beichuan.

The gym is now a temporary home for more than 30,000 people. Planks, cardboard, and quilts are spread all over the floor.

Government officials and volunteers are providing three meals a day, including bread, eggs, rice and dishes. Some local residents have taken it upon themselves to bring food to the victims.

Even though tens of thousands of people are living here, the gym is tidy and garbage-free through the efforts of the volunteers.

Han Siruan, a local official in charge of food security, says they have four major tasks.

"First, to ensure the safety of the drinking water. Second, to prohibit raw food and cold dishes. Third, to treat the waste materials and garbage in a sanitary way. And fourth, to prevent an epidemic by immediately stopping the spread of illness."

Hospitals have set up stations around the gym to provide free medicine for the victims.

The Jiuzhou Gymnasium is not the only place in Mianyang extending a helping hand. More than 1,400 students from Beichuan High School have been relocated to the Hongyuan Theater and a local company, the Sichuan Changhong Group, is taking care of them.

One student, Xu Mingtong, says the food there is good.

"We have porridge and sometimes cakes, eggs and a bun for breakfast. There are at least two dishes with meat and vegetables for lunch. There's a meat dish for supper too. The life here is pretty good."

Many of the children lost contact with their families after the earthquake and are still waiting to be reunited. Some of them, including Chen Lin, a high school senior, have another worry.

"The teacher told us that the college entrance examination might be held as scheduled. There are only about 20 days left. I feel a little anxious."

Chen Lin lost his father in the earthquake. Despite her great loss, she is fighting even harder for her future as all the other Beichuan people are.

Xu Weiyi, CRI News.