China 2008 earthquake relief goods found rotting: report

Relief goods meant for victims of a deadly earthquake in China`s Sichuan province six years ago have been found rotting in a storeroom, media reported today, sparking online anger at officials.

Beijing: Relief goods meant for victims of a deadly earthquake in China`s Sichuan province six years ago have been found rotting in a storeroom, media reported today, sparking online anger at officials.

The bundles of food, clothes and supplies were found after residents living near Mianyang in the southwestern province complained of a stench in a nearby building, the Beijing Youth Daily reported.

The 8.0-magnitude disaster in May 2008 left more than 80,000 people dead or missing -- including thousands in Mianyang -- and saw worldwide contributions to humanitarian relief efforts.

The Beijing Youth Daily said a village official, Guo Fangping, had been suspended following attempts to cover up the existence of the cache.

"Do not blame people for not giving donations the next time there is a natural disaster," said one angry comment on Sina Weibo, China`s version of Twitter.

"You (officials) have made the Chinese people lose hope. Hurry up and leave office!"

Another Weibo user said: "Don`t these officials who are neglectful of disaster victims have a tortured conscience?"
Many Chinese are distrustful of local bureaucrats, while some are suspicious of donating to charities and aid agencies as there is a perceived lack of transparency and openness in the sector.
In 2011 China`s Red Cross vowed to make public all donations it receives after it was embroiled in controversy following allegations of corruption.

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