Monday 24 May 2010

A World Vision assessment team has arrived in Chengduo County to dispatch flour to more than 40,000 quake survivors. Chengduo County, in the Qinghai Province was severely struck by the 6.9 magnitude earthquake last month.

World Vision has already distributed relief items such as food, quilts, child-friendly kits and hygiene kits to some of the worst hit areas immediately after the earthquake.

The team has been distributing over 1,200 tons of flour to 8 townships since their arrival in mid-May. Dr. Chao Wang, National Director of World Vision China also joined the team to reach Labu Township and Zhenqin Township on 16 May and moved on to Qingshuihe Township on the next day for the distribution.

“Our distributions are very smooth, thanks to the kind help of the local governments. We are grateful to have a chance to give the quake survivors a helping hand and we hope that they can live strong even under the threat of a disaster,” Dr. Wang said.

As well as flour distributions, Dr. Wang went with the team to conduct house and school assessment in the Townships of Chengwen and Xiewu. World Vision was concerned with villagers’ difficulties in housing and children’s needs for schools and dormitories.

Dr Wang added that World Vision would also consider responding to other urgent needs that the government suggested. “World Vision will draw up rehabilitation plans that can tie in government’s rehabilitation schemes,” he said.

World Vision has already sent out 3 teams of staff to carry out assessment and relief work since the earthquake struck. Apart from the 1,000 boxes of instant noodles, 2,000 quilts, 230 residential tents, child-friendly kits, hygiene kits delivered and the flour currently under distribution, other relief materials like residential and school tents, beds and boarder packs will be distributed soon. In total, around 80,000 people will benefit.

The 6.9 magnitude earthquake that struck Qinghai Province on 14 April 2010 killed at least 2,200 people and injured over 12,000. At least 15,000 houses were damaged or destroyed and 100,000 people were displaced.