After the 3 June earthquake in Yunnan Province, Amity development workers went to Ning'er County in order to provide disaster relief, assist people in the area and help with the rebuilding of destroyed homes. Amity sent staffers to the most hard-hit region shortly after the earthquake in order to collect information. Based on this, it appealed for help both in China and abroad. Until mid-June, funds of almost 800,000 yuan (ca. USD 105,000) were raised. The first batch of disaster relief supplies, worth 200,000 yuan, included 1400 quilts and 1400 waterproof sheets, which are used to protect people from rain.
About 20,000 houses collapsed in this region, many more were severely damaged. Schools, clinics, water reservoirs, aqueducts, electrical power lines and the communications infrastructure suffered damages, too. Some 60,000 people were affected by the earthquake. 3 people died, 562 were injured.
Since the earthquake happened early in the morning when most people were at sleep in their houses, it is surprising that the number of casualties has not been higher. Local people attribute this to the traditional design of houses in the countryside, which have wooden frames and brick walls. During an earthquake, the bricks fall to the outside, not the inside of houses while the wooden frames remain more or less intact, making the houses relatively safe places. Villagers are now worried that under the reconstruction plans of the government, their houses will be rebuilt using only bricks. This would put people at even greater risk during future earthquakes. This part of Yunnan has frequently been hit by quakes.
Various forms of disaster relief work have been under way since the earthquake. Rice, drinking water, medicines and other basic supplies have been distributed to victims. Many have found temporary housing in tents. Working together, people have started rebuilding their homes. For the time being, they have found food and shelter. However, buying and storing grain and other food is difficult. As a result of the disaster, food prices have already risen. With the rainy season ahead, there is reason to worry about the food supply in the near future.
Amity is continuing its disaster relief efforts in the Ning'er region.