In the early hours of May 20, a large number of local citizens set up tents to spend the night in the Chongqing People's Square. At around 9:30 PM on the 19th, the Chongqing Municipal People's Government released information stating that from the 19th to the 20th, there was a possibility of an aftershock measuring between 6 to 7 magnitudes near the Wenchuan earthquake zone, and Chongqing would experience noticeable tremors. The announcement reminded the general public to pay attention to safety, prepare according to earthquake prevention knowledge, and note the importance of mutual assistance and maintaining public order. After the information was released, a large number of local citizens began to gather in open areas such as squares and flatlands to spend the night.
Tonight, the main urban area of Chongqing, filled with towering skyscrapers, is deserted as thousands choose to stay away from home. The reminder of possible aftershocks in the evening of the 19th led many citizens of this mountain city to opt for open areas like squares to avoid potential earthquakes.