When an earthquake hit China's Sichuan province in 2008, killing 69,000, injuring 370,000 and leaving 5 million homeless, World Vision staff were immediately mobilised. One of them was relief worker Mei Mei Leung. She kept a diary of her experiences. Here are some extracts.

"The World Vision emergency response team has gathered from all corners of China because this earthquake has produced an appalling death toll – 20,000 and some reports say thousands more are buried under rubble…

"It takes some time to reach Chengdu, the capital city of Sichuan Province. Our flights are repeatedly cancelled but we're determined to wait it out. When we arrive at Chengdu Airport we have to wait an hour before getting off the plane as pallets of cargo are being unloaded on the runway by the People’s Liberation Army. I see much-needed rescue items being unloaded...

"I'm feeling encouraged about the work that I'm about to become a part of. Those of us here in Chengdu understand the faster we act, the more lives can be saved. My team and I feel bonded by our desire to help…

"Hospitals around the country have been appealing for blood. Queues of people form outside clinics, everyone aware there's something they can do. Even in cities as far away as Beijing, people are donating. It's through such small actions that I understand how much people are willing to share in the burden of helping those affected by this earthquake…

"The immediate area around Chengdu isn't affected, but nevertheless people are quite nervous about another quake. Telecommunications are still unreliable. I have a lot of difficulty calling in and out on my mobile phone. I can imagine the disaster area is going to be far worse…

"Tomorrow we head to Shisang County to do assessments and distribute hygiene kits. People who have been without soap and clean towels for a couple of days will finally have a chance to bathe…

"We are also bringing along child-friendly kits filled with crayons and drawing books to give the children a chance to concentrate on something other than the painful memories of the past couple days…

Out of the pain and misery of the earthquake, there were many stories of hope and survival. People like Mei Mei Leung were able to help in the immediate aftermath thanks to World Vision's ability to mobilise quickly. We thank the many Australians who have donated to our Emergency Relief Fund for helping make this vital response possible.