Qiurong lies on a hospital bed in Yunfu, Guangdong Province. Photo: Information Times
A seven-year-old girl in Yunfu, Guangdong Province who was extensively wounded with burns from her father has received 3,000 yuan ($469) in donations from local villagers as of August 21, as reported by the Guangzhou-based Information Times on Monday. The sum, however, is far from enough to cover the expensive treatment expenses.
The young girl, named Qiurong and living in Qidongshijiao village, was found last Saturday with severe burns covering her entire body, after being taken away by her father for a month. The 37-year-old man, Lin Shuiquan, left his daughter to be raised by his parents after divorcing his wife.
Since taking her away on July 17, he has required her to work as a pickpocket, punishing his daughter's failed attempts at thievery by starving, beating, and burning her. His girlfriend has also taken an active part in the abuse.
Li Xiaojian, the director of the intensive care unit for burns at the Red Cross Hospital in Yunfu, Guangdong Province, told the newspaper that up to 85 percent of Qiurong's skin had been scalded, with most burns of a second and third degree.
Qiurong is presently in stable condition, but the wounds may become infected after 48 hours. Li has stated that the complications triggered by the burns constitute the real dangers.
"Such a case often happens to those who fall into a thermal basin. According to my estimation, the girl's father has splashed hot water onto her body for periods of over 30 seconds each time. An accidental burn would not be so serious," Li added.
Li stated that the girl needs several rounds of skin grafting surgery, and that the total fee is expected to exceed 500,000 yuan ($78,161).
"The Lin family lives on farming and has annual income of 4,000 yuan ($625)," Liang Guiquan, the chief of Qidongshijiao village, told the newspaper."Thus far, the villagers have collected 3,000 yuan ($468) for the girl."
The girl's father has been detained by local policemen after the grandfather made a report to the authorities. Xu Lianmei, the biological mother of Qiourong, who works in Foshan, also in Guangdong Province at present, has said that she has no intention to visit her sick daughter.
The village chief said that Lin Shuiquan previously served nine months in jail for stealing a motorbike.
"His actions towards Qiurong may stem from his poor living condition," Liang said.