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Þ make a donation to the China Sichuan Earthquake Appeal 2008
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Focus on recovery and reconstruction
Four months after a powerful earthquake jolted southwest China, killing more than 69,000 people and leaving 15 million displaced, the focus now turns to recovery and reconstruction planning.
Eight provinces in China were shaken by the earthquake on 12 May, with Sichuan the most devastated and thousands of aftershocks recorded.
- nearly 70,000 reported killed
- more than 84,000 survivors pulled from the debris
- more than 18,000 people missing
- 15 million people displaced
- more than five million made homeless
Through a global campaign, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (the Federation) sourced more than 100,000 tents, with a $2 million contribution from Australian Red Cross. Most tents have been distributed and people's most basic needs for relief supplies are being met; as people are shifted into transitional shelter the tents are relocated to where they are needed most.
'Tents are a vital tool in providing immediate relief while long-term shelter is secured,' says Simon Eccleshall, senior recovery officer for the Federation.
'Following any disaster, the greatest needs are shelter, clean water and proper sanitation. Red Cross remains committed to meeting these critical needs.'
Seeking shelter
As often occurs after disasters of this size, communities may need to stay in transitional shelters for long periods in some of the hardest-hit areas.
- 546,100 temporary houses already built
- a further 14,100 under construction
- materials in place for a further 34,100 transitional homes
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People's most immediate needs are being met including clean water through this water emergency response unit based at Xinglong township, Mianzhu county in Sichuan. Mike Wolf/International Federation.
This mother and daughter's most important priority is to rebuild the home they lost in the earthquake. Ling Chin/International Federation.
Water purification units provide safe water to villagers in Jiulong township, Mianzhu county in Sichuan province. Mariano Gomez/International Federation. | To help establish some much-needed routines for children, the first 27 of 1,000 transitional schools have been constructed with support from local Red Cross.
Relief supplies to aid recovery
International Red Cross aid workers are there, supporting the local Chinese Red Cross with its relief and recovery efforts. Over the next 12 months, Red Cross will support 100,000 people, and earthquake relief and recovery programs including:
- distribution of emergency relief
- temporary and permanent housing
- water and sanitation
- health services
- rebuilding schools and health clinics
- psychosocial support
In the relief phase, Red Cross purchased up to 100,000 quilts, kitchen sets and hygiene kits to help earthquake-affected families. Water purification units provided clean drinking water to hospitals, schools and families living in temporary shelters, supporting up to 30,000 people, particularly while latrines were constructed. Sanitation education was also provided.
Working around the clock
Many survivors have lost parents, spouses or children. Coupled with losing their homes and personal belongings, the psychological needs for survivors are enormous.
More than 35,000 Chinese Red Cross staff and volunteers and over 100 rescue and medical teams worked around the clock to deliver aid to survivors in the earthquake-affected areas.
Volunteers and teams specialising in relief coordination, medical care and psychosocial support will be recruited and supported by Red Cross.
China Sichuan Earthquake Appeal 2008
This appeal is closing on 15 September. You can make a donation to the China Sichuan Earthquake Appeal 2008 by using our secure online donation form or by using one of the other donation methods on the right.
Donations to the China Sichuan Earthquake Appeal 2008 will:
- support the relief and recovery needs of individuals and communities affected by the earthquake, including urgent needs of shelter through the provision of tents and quilts, clean water, food parcels, medical supplies and hygiene kits
- send specialist aid workers to assist in the Red Cross response if required
- assist Red Cross in China in preparing and responding to this and future emergencies
Australian Red Cross will not deduct more than 10% of any donation for an international appeal to cover appeal costs. Should the funds raised exceed the amount required to meet the immediate and longer term needs of the people in the affected areas, Australian Red Cross will direct the excess funds to other Disaster Management initiatives in China.
 
Red Cross in China
Red Cross is the only organisation -- besides the government agencies -- currently engaged in disaster response activities on a nationwide scale in China.
Red Cross is well established in China, with more than 20 million volunteers working around the country. This network is well-placed to mobilise communities to address preparedness and safety measures, assist in rapid assessment of damage after disasters strike, organise initial first aid and rescue efforts, and assist in relief distribution.
Australian Red Cross has responded to humanitarian situations in China, like floods and earthquakes, since the 1970s and has run development programs there since the early 1990s. We currently run HIV and disaster preparedness programs in four provinces.
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