Based on a quick needs assessment of the disaster-affected population in Wenchuan earthquake area，which was conducted two months after the earthquake，this paper described the living conditions and policy needs of the disaster-affected population. The survey showed that housing and employment were two most urgent problems of the affected population. Those who lost their houses and lands in the earthquake were willing to migrate to nearby places. Most people in the earthquake area were quite satisfied with the works of the government，and had a rather high trust on the government. They also showed a high level of mutual trust，and were positively engaged in the reconstruction of their hometown. This high level of social capital would contribute to the recovery of the disaster areas.