China earthquake

A devastating earthquake registering 7.9 on the Richter scale struck Sichuan province on 12 May 2008 killing 87,000 people and totally destroying many villages.

ActionAid does not operate in Sichuan province but the force of the earthquake caused a lot of damage and destruction in neighbouring Gansu and Shaanxi provinces where we have on-going programmes. Many houses have been destroyed or severely damaged and travel is difficult as landslides have blocked roads.

Our response on the ground
Our staff in the Shaanxi and Gansu provinces responded immediately by distributing food, medicine and cooking equipment to help those who had lost everything, specifically targeting the most vulnerable people such as women and children.

We also supplied tents, tarpaulins, torches, ropes and scissors to allow people to set up temporary shelters. For the children we provided educational materials and games so they could occupy themselves during the distressing period.

As well as helping right now, we’re working long-term to make sure that families can rebuild from this disaster. We’re working to help communities prepare for future earthquakes so that when another strikes, they will be safe from injury.

photo : ©ActionAid