When disaster strikes, heroes don’t always wear capes—sometimes they wear aprons. 🔥 A week after a magnitude-6.8 earthquake shook Dingri County in southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, firefighters are trading hoses for spatulas to feed displaced villagers. Our reporter Zhao Chenchen joined the Xizang Forest Firefighting Special Operations Unit in Cuo’ang Village, where they’re cooking up more than just meals.
🌄 The quake, which hit on January 7, left resettlement and reconstruction efforts ongoing. Amid the chaos, firefighters have become unlikely chefs, preparing hot lunches for families living in temporary shelters. \"Many villagers lost their kitchens,\" said one firefighter. \"If we can give them a warm meal and a smile, that’s part of our duty too.\"
🍲 As villagers huddle around makeshift stoves, the scene reflects resilience: shared laughter, steaming pots of noodle soup, and the hum of solidarity. Zhao noted, \"This isn’t just about food—it’s about rebuilding trust, one ladle at a time.\" With aftershocks still possible, the team remains on high alert, proving that disaster response isn’t just about brawn—it’s about heart. ❤️
