Earthquake in China

21/05/2008More than a week after the earthquake in the south west province of Sichuan, and officials have confirmed that over 40,000 people have lost their lives.

The nation is in its final day of a three-day period of mourning for victims of the disaster. Rescuers have launched a final effort to search for survivors, whilst the relief effort for the millions left homeless continues apace.

A BMS grant was sent last week to assist the relief work of The Amity Foundation, which is re-focusing its efforts on worst-hit rural areas.

Credit: The Amity Foundation

A spokesperson for Amity says, “From our assessment in the disaster zone, emergency relief supplies from all over the country have been mainly delivered to urban areas. It is estimated that the supply is near to meeting the basic needs.

“However, outlying rural areas have not received as much attention. Amity plans to co-ordinate self-help teams among the villages themselves to help. As we get a better understanding of the basic information and needs, more systematic post-disaster relief work will then be implemented”.

BMS responded within a few days of the earthquake in China. Help us to be in a position to continue to give, by clicking here.

16/05/2008A BMS relief grant for £10,000 is assisting our partner in China to purchase and deliver aid to survivors of the earthquake in Sichuan province.

The money is enabling The Amity Foundation to distribute food, water, tents and tarpaulins to some of the worst-affected families, many of whom are now living in makeshift refugee camps.

Amity, with whom BMS has partnered for more than 20 years, had a member of staff in Sichuan within five hours of the tragedy, and has set up a relief office there.

Displaced people sit outside emergency shelters Credit: The Amity Foundation

A girl rescued from the rubble Credit: Pickerel Lee

Latest reports are that as many as 50,000 people have died following the earthquake. Ten million people are affected and more than 200,000 homes in the province have collapsed. The search for survivors continues, hindered by landslides caused by aftershocks and heavy rain.

You can give to BMS relief work, to help bring vital assistance in places like China, by clicking here.

And click here for further information and prayer points about the China earthquake, for use in your church or small group, or personally.

Utilities