For Kaimuki resident Jameelah Peer, it was like an angel's voice to hear from her daughter Aliya, who is in Chengdu, China right now after surviving China's worst earthquake this generation.

The 7.9 magnitude quake hit Monday at midday in China. Schools and buildings collapsed filled with people, injuring and trapping thousands in the rubble. Some of the fortunate ones were pulled out alive.

"I'm doing fine, thank you," said Aliya on the phone from Chengdu. "My boyfriend and I...we're sleeping in a garden."

Aliya was in her 7th story apartment when the quake rolled through.

Her mother said the 22-year-old Maryknoll graduate and her boyfriend ran for their lives.

"They are rushing down and when they got to the 4th floor, Aliya said it was like the concrete was exploding around them," said Jameelah Peer. "Pieces were flying all over the place."

They, like so many others in the city, stayed outside, sleeping in the rain and cold because they were afraid their apartment building would cave in.

"Aliya said that every little blade of grass and greenery has been commandeered by someone," Jameelah Peer said.

Aliya isn't sure what she'll do next. Most likely, she'll sleep in the garden again, in case of aftershocks.

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