A Year after Sichuan Earthquake: Tears and Hope

A father cries near the ruins of the Beichuan Middle School where he lost his son in last year's earthquake. (Photo by Feng Li/Getty Images)

A girl smiles in the temporary classroom in Sichuan Province, China.(Photo by Feng Li/Getty Images)

Chinese across the world commemorated the lives of 90,000 people who were killed a year ago today in an 8.0 earthquake that struck southwest China's Sichuan Province.

In a national broadcast, Chinese President Hu Jintao led a moment of silence at 2:28 p.m. - the time that the quake struck - in the town of Yingxiu, the epicenter of the earthquake.

An estimated 100,000 people visited the area where the earthquake leveled buildings and schools. Many parents of children killed still have questions, like why were certain schools were so poorly constructed that they could not withstand the quake.

Hu expressed condolences to the victims and rescuers, and also some hope.

"The post-quake reconstruction has registered important progress, and the quake survivors are marching toward a new life," Hu said. He added that priority should be given to restoring the basic living conditions and infrastructure and make sure people in the quake-hit area live in permanent homes as soon as possible.

Since the earthquake, over 680 reconstruction projects, ranging from infrastructure to cultural and tourism sectors, are underway to rebuild the quake-stricken areas, requiring a total investment of around 248 billion US dollars.

To assist earthquake recovery efforts, check out this blog. The American Red Cross is also taking donations.