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China

China: Earthquake - Information Bulletin n° 1

This Information Bulletin is for information only. The Federation is not seeking any funding or other assistance from donors for this operation at this time.
The Situation

Today, at 10:03 local time, an earthquake measuring 6.8 on the Richter scale struck China's northwestern mountainous region of Xinjiang, bordering with Kyrgyzstan. More than 1,000 houses including a school have collapsed, south east of Kaxgar where the earthquake was centered. The Chinese Red Cross (RCSC) has confirmed 150 people killed in the quake and they fear the death toll might increase. In view of the remoteness of the area and lack of communications, it is difficult to obtain accurate and up to date information. Two counties have been seriously affected. Some media reports suggest this earthquake is the worst in many years, in China.

Red Cross/Red Crescent Action

A Red Cross team including the Vice President from the Urumqi provincial branch of the Red Cross Society of China, has reached the affected area. An initial assessment will be done and information will be shared with the headquarters of the RCSC who will decide whether to launch an emergency appeal. The International Federation is standing by ready to send delegates to the affected area as soon as the RCSC gives the green light.

For a full description of the National Society profile, see www.ifrc.org

For further details please contact :

  • Richard Grove-Hills, Head of Regional Delegation, Beijing; Cell Phone +86 1350 120 5973 ; Fax +86 10 65 327 166.
  • Aurelia Balpe, Phone 41 22 7304352; Fax 41 22 733 0395; email aurelia.balpe@ifrc.org

All International Federation Operations seek to adhere to the Code of Conduct and are committed to the Humanitarian Charter and Minimum Standards in Disaster Response (SPHERE Project) in delivering assistance to the most vulnerable.

For support to or for further information concerning Federation operations in this or other countries, please access the Federation website at http://www.ifrc.org

For longer-term programmes, please refer to the Federation's Annual Appeal.

John Horekens
Director
External Relations

Simon Missiri
Head
Asia Pacific