Massive Quake Hits China, Death Toll Expected to Rise

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

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Copyright © 2009, NewsBlaze, Daily News

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