A
massive search and rescue operation is under way in China, after
a 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck killing at least 12,000 people,
according to the BBC. Information is sparse and the death toll is
likely to rise.
The
ACT Coordinating Office has just received information from Amity
Foundation, the only member of ACT International working extensively
in China. They sent staff yesterday to the affected areas of the
quake to assess the situation and plan a response. It is reported
that communications and transport links have been destroyed by the
quake making access to these areas very difficult.
Amity
Foundation has deployed their staff to Chengdu, 159 kilometers away
from the quake center. They report that they are currently discussing
plans for a response with their local partners. Homes have collapsed
or have been severely damaged, and many people are injured. People
are in urgent need of shelter materials such as tents and relief
supplies including rice, clean water, quilts, clothes and medicines.
Today Amity Foundation has set up a local office in Chengdu to start
coordinating the relief efforts with their partners.
An
ACT appeal is forthcoming and will be sent by the Amity Foundation
to the ACT Coordinating Office within the next 48 hours outlining
a response to the disaster. The ACT Coordinating Office will continue
to monitor this situation closely.
