World Vision China Responds to Destructive Earthquake in Yunnan

Tuesday, August 5, 2014

CHINA – World Vision brought timely comfort to some 4,400 people affected by the 6.5 magnitude earthquake which hit Yunnan Province, China on August 3rd. Despite logistical challenges due to damaged infrastrcuture, the assessment team managed to reach quake hit areas of Ludian County and distributed tents, hygiene and child-friendly kits earlier today.

“In our village, 90% of the houses have been damaged. Now, many of us are living in temporary tents. The difference in temprature varies greatly. If it rains at night, it will be very cold and we will need quilts to keep warm,” Mr. Huang, head of Yinchang village in Huodehong Town, Ludian County.

The earthquake that jolted Ludian County, Zhaotong City of Yunnan Province in western China at 16:30 on August 3, claimed about 400 lives, and injured more than 1,800 people. More than 1 million people are affected and about 230,000 people have been evacuated as a result of the damage caused to their homes, according to state news agency. Hundreds of aftershocks of shallow depth were recorded.

“In the worst-hit counties of Yunnan province, death toll is climbing and large number of houses collapsed. Large scale communication cut and power failure are also reported, making response effort a challenge to aid workers,” says Victor Kan, National Director of World Vision China.

World Vision is making an appeal to addresss the immediate needs of the affected population and looking into longer term plans through rehabilitation work to help the people to build back better. Emergency supplies are expected to benefit over 30,000 affected people. The most urgent needs are food, temporary shelters, water, sanitation and hygiene and psycho-social support for children.