The earthquake that jolted Sichuan province last Monday is undoubtedly one of the nation's worst disasters in recent decades. The disaster touches everyone's heart, and the Chinese nation has been united in coping with its common plight, extending help and praying for more people to survive, says an article in Xinhua News Agency. The following is an excerpt:

Tears swelled in my eyes when I saw towns and cities were flattened and children of my son's age were buried in the rubble.

Yet we gasped at the courage, wisdom and perseverance of some survivors: a 6-year-old who nibbled at an apple for more than 40 hours in the ruins until she was pulled out by rescuers; a senior high school boy who calmly told the other boys to "be brave" and the girls "not to cry" and wrenched open a crumbling wall through which 33 classmates escaped.