In order to allow the quake survivors to withdraw money and start rebuilding, many banks have resumed business in make-shift tents in Dujiangyan.
In order to allow the quake survivors to withdraw money and start rebuilding, many banks have resumed business in make-shift tents in Dujiangyan.
Buildings collapsed so suddenly when the earthquake hit, and many villagers didn't have time to take their bankbooks with them. Now, they need cash more than ever.
Du Jiangyan Resident, said, "Sure, we are worried. Daily necessities all need money. There are 6 members in my family,one small and one of over 80"
Lin Tingbao came to this bank, hoping to find his family's bank account.
Lin Tingbao, Du Jiangyan Resident, said,"My wife used to take charge of the family finances. And now she has passed away. I don't know where she deposited our savings. I've visited all the banks except this one."
Bank Teller, said, "He needs to bring his and the depositor's identity card, or death credential if the depositor is dead."
Many of the banks' business halls collapsed during the earthquake. Staff have set up business in tents with the cash and customer profiles that were rescued from the ruins. Although it looks a bit shabby, all the regular banking business is going ahead. They even broke their normal regulations to make it easier for people to withdraw cash.
Fu Zuoyong, Director of Chengdu Rural Credit Union, said, "In short-term, we allow them to withdraw cash once they could provide basic information about the depositor.
The banking sector is now working with the public security and other departments to improve cash withdrawing procedures for those who lost their loved ones. The public security bureau in Dujiangyan also set up a temporary identity registration center to reissue the lost identity cards.
(CCTV May 26, 2008)