One year ago yesterday, a massive earthquake rocked Sichuan and neighbouring provinces, killing at least 88,000 people and causing severe damage to the densely populated region.
As the death toll surged, sadness and fatalism enveloped the nation. Nevertheless, it was diluted by an air of hope and uplifted spirits as sympathy and support poured in from all around.
In an uncharacteristic show of people-oriented governance, state leaders acted swiftly to save lives and heal the physical and emotional scars of the survivors.
Confronted with the worst natural disaster in recent memory, the central and provincial governments engaged civil society in the rescue, relief and rebuilding exercise.
The rescue effort and unrestricted media access impressed people in China and around the world. Pledges by local officials to give an account of the deadly earthquake, meanwhile, raised hope for progress on all fronts.
The question immediately raised in the aftermath of the earthquake was simple but direct: will the positive changes last and, if so, for how long?
