The Chinese Red Cross confirmed today that
at least 250 people have been killed and 1,000 injured in the devastating
earthquake which struck the remote and arid north-western region of the
country, Xinjiang on Monday morning. The earthquake measured between 6.3
and 6.8 on the Richter Scale.
The local Red Cross effort is being
boosted by the dispatch of an emergency relief team from the Xinjiang Provincial
branch based in the region's capital, Urumqi. They are travelling overland
to the earthquake zone, bringing relief items including clothing and quilts
for the homeless.
Pending the outcome of a needs assessment on the ground, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies is on stand-by to provide any technical or financial support necessary. The Chinese Red Cross has released US$ 30,000 from its own funds for relief and has launched a country-wide appeal for support to the homeless.
For further information, or to set up interviews, please contact:
In Beijing: France Hurtubise, Press Officer - Tel: + 86 13 50 12 05 972
In Geneva: Denis McClean, Head,
Media Service - Tel: + 41 22 730 44 28 / + 41 79 217 33 57
Media Service Duty Phone - Tel: + 41 79 416 38 81