Earthquake survivor searches for rescuer 10 years later

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A video widely circulated online and moved thousands of Internet users shows Qiang Tianlin from Guangyuan, southwest China’s Sichuan Province, looking for the man who saved his life 10 years ago when a catastrophic earthquake rocked the area in May 2008.

Then 14-year-old Qiang was protected by a soldier in the People's Liberation Army of China on his way home when aftershock hit the mountainous region.

Beijing News Photo

“A man in camouflage uniform ran to me and took me out of the mudslide belt. I remembered a rock hit his back, but he got back on his feet and ran me to the safe place,” Qiang told Beijing News. “He sent me to the shelter, set up a tent for me, and gave me bread and milk. The next day, I was reunited with my family at the shelter with his help.”

The experience changed Qiang’s life path. After high school, he joined the army at National University of Defense Technology and became a first lieutenant last June.

Beijing News Photo

“I trust PLA soldiers since they saved me. My uncle always encouraged me to study hard. When he asked me what I would like to be when I grew up, I didn’t think too much, and answered I wanted to be a soldier. I think it is an honor.”

Without knowing the soldier's name, contact, or even which military unit he belonged to, Qiang is resorting to the Internet to search for the man, hoping to express his gratitude, “Within 10 years, I become his comrade. He risked his life to save me, and I didn’t let him down.”

Beijing News Photo

There is no clue of the soldier so far, but Chinese netizens are overwhelmed by the story.

On China’s leading social media Weibo, user @doubidelihaoran said, “Brother, his name is PLA, his name is Chinese Armed Police Force.”

@woyigerentiaowu2016 commented, “When you grew up, you became him. This is the best way to express gratitude.”

Comments on Weibo

@instanshiyi said, “Maybe your warm behavior will inspire others to strive for the rest of their lives.”

Qiang said that his next dream is to join China International Search and Rescue Team. “I wish one day I could save others just like the solder who saved me, a way to pass on the spirit.”

The 8.0-magnitude earthquake in Sichuan left more than 80,000 people dead or missing, with more than 16,000 troops dispatched for rescue operation from across the country, according to reports.