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| China: Red Cross mobilizes volunteers and aid to help quake survivors 14 May 2008 As search and rescue teams continue to look for survivors, hundreds of Red Cross volunteers are distributing much-needed aid to communities affected by Monday’s deadly earthquake in Sichuan province. “With more than 80 per cent of the buildings in the town of Beichuan destroyed, there are thousands of people left homeless,” says Qinghui Gu, regional disaster management delegate and member of a Red Cross assessment team which traveled to Beichuan county, Sichuan. “The Red Cross has already set up ten relief sites in the neighbouring county of An, with hundreds of tents in each.” Red Cross volunteers from nearby Chengdu are on the ground providing help with rescue and first aid, and distributing relief supplies – tents, quilts, water and food – with more aid coming in from surrounding provinces today. Red Cross relief workers are also providing shelter to thousands of people left homeless. “Food and drinking water are the main priorities needed now,” says Mr. Gu. “Medical staff and supplies are also needed to help the tens of thousands injured.” Two Red Cross emergency medical teams from other provinces have arrived, with three more on their way to the disaster area. Many roads remained blocked, making it difficult to get supplies and rescue teams to the affected area. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies has allocated 250,000 Swiss francs (USD 236,580 or EUR 153,355) in emergency funds to support the Red Cross Society of China in delivering immediate assistance to those affected by the earthquake in Sichuan province. A further call for support is likely to be issued as soon as assessment information is gathered. For further information, or to set up interviews, please contact: Matt Cochrane, Media Officer Tel: + 41 79 308 98 04 Media Unit Duty phone-Geneva Tel: + 41 79 416 38 81 The Geneva-based International Federation promotes the humanitarian activities of 186 National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies among vulnerable people. By coordinating international disaster relief and encouraging development support, it seeks to prevent and alleviate human suffering. The Federation, National Societies and the International Committee of the Red Cross together, constitute the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. © International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies |
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