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SINGAPORE : Some Singaporeans are still stranded in Sichuan, following Monday's earthquake that has killed almost 15,000 people. However, a small group managed to fly home on Tuesday night.
It was chaos at the Chengdu local airport as the quake struck at peak hours on Monday. The crowd was big and people were confused as they scrambled to safety.
After the tremors, many travellers were stranded as flights got cancelled. They were left with no accommodation, so they had to sleep at the airport while waiting for any flight out of Chengdu.
Many holidaymakers are still stuck without a flight. SA Tours said it still has about 65 people in the Chengdu area.
Ruth Lim, Marcomm Manager of SA Tours, said: "We understand (Tuesday) morning that there were two landslides in that area, so the roads are inaccessible to all vehicles and all modes of transportation for now.
"I think food supplies and beverages will dwindle given time. It's not just my group that's over there, I'm sure there are other hotel guests. So if there is lack of food, there would be cause for worries."
Worried about the situation in Chengdu, about 50 people flew there on a SilkAir flight on Wednesday morning. Most are Chinese nationals eager to go home.
"Looking at the news reports on the web, it's very upsetting. They are all from our hometown. It's not just our own family members, it's also our hometown friends," said one Chinese national in Singapore.
Another said: "I'm worried about my family's safety. I'm on break now, so I can go back to take a look."
"From what I know, even with the rain and storms, it's not affecting homes there or endangering lives, so I think it's fine to go back," said a third.
Because of the extensive damage to the Sichuan area, the Singapore government has offered US$200,000 to help the quake victims.
CapitaLand has also donated S$1 million. The property developer said it is doing it through CapitaLand Hope Foundation, its philanthropic arm.
The company has started a donation drive among its employees in Singapore and China, and the Chinese general public.
Mercy Relief said it is also communicating with its partners from the Sichuan Foundation for Poverty Alleviation about helping the quake victims in China.
The organisation has ordered 500 tents from Beijing at a cost of S$105,000, and it is confirming if a private donor will underwrite the cost. - CNA/ls/ac
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