Published:
Massive Quake Hits China, Death Toll Expected to Rise
HONG KONG, May 12 /PRNewswire/ -- A powerful 7.9 magnitude earthquake has
killed at least 8,500 people and injured an additional 10,000 in Wenchuan
County, a southwesternSichuan province about 200 km from where World Vision
has a community-based project.
The quake struck at 2:28 p.m. local time, collapsing buildings and
telecommunication systems in the area. World Vision has not yet established
contact with its team inSichuan and the agency is concerned about the rising
death count.
"People are going to need immediate supplies such as temporary shelters,
blankets, medicines, clothing, food and water," said Victor Kan, World
Vision's emergency response director forChina, speaking fromHong Kong.
World Vision staff in nearbyYunnan, Guansu andShaanxi provinces felt the
quake but reported no known damage to the areas. The agency's emergency
response and communications staff based inYunnan are on stand-by and are
ready to be deployed, while its regional emergency response teams are
monitoring the situation.
"It wouldn't be surprising to see the death toll continue to rise in a
situation like this," Kan said.
World Vision is experienced at responding to disasters inChina, having
provided aid to survivors of the harsh 2008 winter blizzard that swept across
the nation, as well as to the 7.3 magnitude quake that struck Xinjiang in
northwesternChina in March.
World Vision has worked inChina since 1962 and currently has relief and
development projects benefiting 4 million people across the country.
World Vision staff in the region are available for interviews. Please
contact Casey Calamusa at 206.310.5476 or ccalamus@worldvision.org or Rachel
Wolff at 253.394.2214.
World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working
with children, families and their communities worldwide to reach their full
potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice. We serve all
people, regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, or gender. For more
information, please visit www.worldvision.org/press .
SOURCE World Vision
Copyright © 2009, PRNewswire
Copyright © 2009, NewsBlaze,
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