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SICHUAN : Thousands of Sichuan earthquake survivors are camping out in the plains as they wait for relocation to semi-permanent housing.
Until then, they have to put up with the grilling summer heat out in the open.
Natural disasters like the earthquake in Sichuan often lead to collateral damage.
The Tangjiashan quake lake formed in the aftermath of the disaster caused widespread pollution to the waters in the neighbouring counties.
The run-off carries mud, sand and flotsam, rendering waters difficult to purify.
While residents in these counties could draw water from reservoirs to tide themselves through, thousands relocated in the outskirts needed extra help to get water.
In Huangtu camp in Anxian, south of Beichuan, some 2,000 survivors rely on bottled water and the Anchang River for their daily needs for more than two weeks.
But this could potentially strain water resources and increase the risk of diseases spreading.
As it is mid-summer, temperatures can soar past 30 degree Celsius. But residents say staying cool is not a problem. Thanks to a mobile water treatment plant, they can get fresh drinking water any time of the day.
Mr Fan Yangchuan, Supervisor of Water and Power Supply in Huangtu Survivors' Resettlement Command Post, explained how it works.
"The water comes from water treatment plant in Anchang Township, which ensures that the quality of the water meets standards. The water is then distributed through various stations in the camp and it can be used for washing up," he said.
The mobile water treatment plant is then used to produce potable water.
It costs one million yuan (US$145,000) and was transported from Zhejiang, central China.
Powered by a diesel engine, it uses multiple membranes to filter impurities.
This huge tub holds three tonnes of water - enough for 10,000 people on any day.
Mr Wang Yongxin, Installation Engineer of Dow Water Solution, said the mobility of the equipment saved the day.
"Our facility fits into a container. It can work on providing potable water, as long as there is power and water supply. Mobile equipment such as this treatment plant could be deployed anytime, and would be good for other relief efforts like floods," he said.
And staying clean in the fields is no longer a luxury.
One resident said: "It's definitely more convenient than before."
Another resident said: "We wash our clothes every three to four days as there are no kids in the household."
It also takes some heat off the tough times, as they wait for a fresh start in their new homes. - CNA/de
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