FHI is aiding thousands left hungry and
homeless in the wake of an earthquake in north-western China.
The February 24 quake in Xinjiang Province
has left at least 266 dead and more than 4,000 injured. Early reports estimate
that 10,000 homes have been destroyed.
FHI will partner with the Jian Hua Foundation (JHF), an agency based in Hong Kong that already has representatives posted to the region. An FHI staff member will work with JHF to assess the situation and design an appropriate relief response.
JHF has already distributed medicines and medical supplies in Bachu County, where the Red Cross reports most of the casualties occurred. Probable emergency needs in the area include food, potable water, winter clothing and temporary shelter.
The affected area is in a remote corner of China, on the border with Kyrgyzstan. It is considered to be one of China's poorest regions with most people making their living as subsistence farmers. Ninety percent of the population is Uighur, a predominantly Muslim ethnic group.