Limited road access, cold temperatures remain key concerns

MISSISSAUGA (April 20, 2010) — World Vision has identified food, shelter and hygiene items as some of the most urgent needs in quake-stricken Qinghai Province, based on an initial assessment in the  epicentre. This weekend, a team of three aid workers travelled more than 30 hours by car from the provincial capital of Xining to reach the remote area in Jiegu Township where they began assessing needs and designing an appropriate response plan. The team took with them a limited amount of hygiene items, child-friendly items and food, which they are distributing to those in need.

So far an estimated 1,900 people have been reported dead, 216 are missing and more than 12,000 have been injured in Qinghai, a remote and mountainous province. While Yushu County has a population of just 70,000 people, the fact that the epicentre was close to the county seat, combined with the early morning time of the quake, resulted in a higher number of casualties, according to Meimei Leung, who leads World Vision’s assessment team. "The quake struck at 7:49 am local time when most people were asleep, and many were trapped inside damaged buildings," she said.

Top needs

Food — Even before the quake, Yushu County was considered one of the poorest areas in China, inhabited mostly by herders who belong to the Zang minority group. Now, many people have lost their homes and with them, their livelihoods. They are living in temporary camps where they will need staple food supplies for the next six months or more. The government will provide two months’ worth of food grains; World Vision has delivered 1,000 food rations and will work to supplement the government distribution to ensure people receive adequate nutrients.

Shelter — Many buildings and public infrastructure systems in the area have been damaged or destroyed. The State Commission of Disaster Relief reports that 15,000 homes collapsed and more than 100,000 people had to be evacuated. These families are living in camps or with relatives or friends. Adequate shelter and warm clothing for children and families is a key concern, since average temperatures in the area have been hovering between -3 to 14 degrees Celsius. World Vision is sending 2,000 blankets to help survivors cope with the extreme weather. This will supplement the Ministry of Civil Affairs’ distribution of 5,000 tents, 50,000 blankets and 50,000 winter jackets to the affected areas.

Hygiene items — With families living in tents provided by the government, personal hygiene items are one of the most urgent needs. World Vision’s hygiene kits contain toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap and towels.

Other urgent needs

Child-focused kits — Children are particularly vulnerable during an emergency and need to return to a sense of normal life. "Based on what we learn on the ground, we will be moving quickly to meet the needs of children, particularly to help them establish a normal routine again and stay clear of dangerous rubble," said Leung. World Vision’s child-focused kits contain stationery, hygiene items and toys that can be shared among four children. The items help them play and provide a distraction while their parents struggle to cope with the aftermath of the disaster.

Education supplies — Children in the area need supplies to ensure their studies can continue uninterrupted. In Jiegu Township, 70 per cent of education facilities have been damaged or destroyed. More than 23,000 students attend almost 60 schools in the area, many of them boarding schools. Students have lost everything from books and uniforms to desks and chairs. World Vision plans to provide education supplies for 800 children.

Disaster risk reduction — World Vision will provide training activities to help the affected communities become better prepared for the next time a disaster occurs.

Home rehabilitation — Most of the homes that collapsed in the quake were made of clay and straw bricks with wood frames. Families need new houses built to ensure better resilience. World Vision plans to subsidize the cost of construction of new homes for 200 of the most needy families.

World Vision is accepting donations to assist those affected by the earthquake. Those wishing to help can visit WorldVision.ca or call 1-800-268-5528 (English), 1-800-363-5021 (French) or 1-800-268-2776 (Chinese).

World Vision in China

World Vision first began working in China in 1982, and has reached a total 2.1 million people affected by the 2008 Sichuan quake, including helping communities rebuild homes, schools and livelihoods. We also instruct thousands of children and families in China about disaster safety, including earthquake safety, using cartoon books that teach children where to go, what to do and who to contact in order to save lives ahead of a disaster.

-30-

World Vision is a Christian relief, development and advocacy organization dedicated to working with children, families and communities to overcome poverty and injustice. World Vision serves all people regardless of religion, race, ethnicity or gender. 

For more information, or to arrange an interview, please contact:

Britt Hamilton
905-565-6200 ext. 3973
416-419-1321 (cell)
britt_hamilton@worldvision.ca

Amy Fuller
905-565-6200 ext. 2151
416-671-0086 (cell)
amy_fuller@WorldVision.ca