ReliefWeb

Balance Requested from ACT Alliance: $211,579

Geneva, 12 June 2007

Dear Colleagues,

On 4 June 2007, a strong earthquake of magnitude 6.4 on the Richter Scale hit Ning'er County on the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau, southern Yunnan Province. The quake was the most serious in 30 years causing widespread damage in five counties . Of these five counties, Ning'er county is the worst affected with all nine townships sustaining significant damage. As at 5 June the death toll was three and 562 people were reported as injured. Latest statistics from the Ning'er Disaster Relief Headquarters report that 242,000 houses in rural areas have been damaged, 11,400 houses collapsed and 140,000 houses severely damaged. 536,000 people from Ning'er and nearby counties have been affected and 180,000 evacuated. The quake damaged pipes, cutting off water supplies and communication lines were down.

The government and various organisations have released funds and provided relief materials. However, ACT member the Amity Foundation has reported that the needs are still far greater than the assistance provided so far. Ning'er County is one of the poorest counties in China where most of the farmers live in houses constructed of wood and mud which are easily destroyed in an earthquake. According to Amity Foundation, sufficient tents have now been provided for basic shelter. However, with the rains continuing, villagers still need plastic sheeting to protect f ood and seeds as well as their other basic belongings to mitigate against further losses and increased vulnerability. There is also a serious lack of potable water and food in the affected areas.

Amity Foundation is currently planning to help meet the basic needs of 2,000 of the most vulnerable families that have been rendered homeless and who have not received any help from the government or other agencies. During the crisis phase it is planned to provide basic food and shelter (rice, quilts and plastic sheeting) to help meet the most urgent needs. Assistance for reconstruction of 100 houses, two village schools and three irrigation systems is planned during the post crisis phase.

Project Completion Date: 31 May 2008