Zhang Zhengfang, an 80-year-old who lives in the village, said she has three children — all of them living in urban areas.

Despite abundant relief supplies from the government and nongovernmental organizations, some elderly people are struggling to cope after being left homeless by the disaster.

Lu Keping, 83, who lives near a highway in Shuoji township, has been sleeping on the ground in front of the gate to his yard after two huge trees fell on his house.

"Shelter has been provided by the government, but we cannot go there by ourselves. We also have to stay to take care of our sheep, cats and dogs," he said.

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