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China

Chinese Red Cross rushes relief to quake zone

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.

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