Cars jam the road in Chengdu.

Sichuan TV last night broadcast its first ever public earthquake forecast when it warned that a strong aftershock, probably 6 to 7 magnitude, may hit Sichuan areas in the next two days. It caused panic in Chengdu; people rushed out of doors immediately, carrying tents and sleeping bags. The queues of cars and people on the city's roads turned it into a long and sleepless night.

"You have to understand that we are absolutely terrified," a resident said to China.org.cn. "We have already suffered so much, and this is going to happen again and again over the next few months."

Our correspondents interviewing some rescurers.

(China.org.cn May 20, 2008)