Amateur video shows quake's first moments

The moment the earthquake struck in Sichuan , the hills surrounding the city of Chengdu shook, people ran outside in confused panic, and a thick, white cloud of dust enveloped a mountain reserve.

Exclusive footage shot by John Dkar, a Peruvian resident of Chengdu, and obtained by AP Television News shows the terrifying first moments of Monday's quake as he motorcycled with friends in the hills outside the city.

The camera, shaking side to side, shows four women frantically coming down steps alongside trees and bushes. A voice, apparently that of Mr Dkar, is heard telling his companion in English: 'OK, calm down, calm down ... it's over, it's over, it's over.'

People can be seen on the video running and screaming, or almost immobile with fear. A young woman, emerging from the white dust, carries a child along the road.

Four women sit on the ground, holding hands and comforting one another. Two women standing nearby cling to each other. Panicked voices and shouts can be heard.

'My first feeling was really a bit surprised,' Mr Dkar, a language teacher and video blogger, said in Chengdu.