Order restored to markets in mudslide-hit Zhouqu
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On Nanmen street, more than 10 stores selling food, water, medicine and garments are open to local residents.
The prices are at the same levels as before the deadly mudslide, according to a quick China Daily survey.
Hongyuan Supermarket, the biggest market in Zhouqu that has 18 branches, re-opened its headquarters market in front of the county government building on Aug 9.
The supermarket is open from 8 am to 6:30 pm every day with a typical sales volume of more than 30,000 yuan ($4,415). The best sellers are toothpaste, toothbrushes, underwear, slippers, and flashlights.
The day after the mudslide, the industry and commerce bureau of Zhouqu put out a notice to stabilize the market and coordinate with the civil affairs bureau to provide the supermarket with more goods.
"The prices are not higher than before with some commodities even cheaper," said Li Linlin, manager of the supermarket.
"The overall prices will not be raised because of short supply of goods here."
But the supermarket now also faces shortages of fuel and Li said he needs to negotiate with the petroleum companies to have more oil shipped.
More than 100 residents have bought traditional Chinese medicine in Xiao Wenxuan's medicine store. Most of the patients are suffering colds or diarrhea.
Xiao said the cold weather easily leads to disease and residents should take the medicines as quick as they can.
In the street, vegetables planted by residents of nearby townships are available. At least four cloth stores are open and the price is in line with those before the landslide.
Overall, the disaster-crushed area is not short of living materials, said an official of the civil affairs bureau who declined to be named.
"I was lucky to survive, so I open my store before schedule because people need clothes," said Liu Guilan, a clothing store owner.
