Szechuan (China) earthquake, and Myanmar relief updates 13th May 2008

A powerful earthquake with a 7.9 magnitude hit the central region of China. The earthquake brought down buildings schools and chemical plants, killing about 10,000 people in the towns set in the hilly areas north of Sichuan’s provincial capital Chengdu. The earthquake happened at about 14:30 and could be felt as far as Vietnam. Rescuers are still searching frantically for more survivors among the rubble. Continuing rain in the region is hampering the effort of rescue. According to the latest news, in the town of Juyuan, south of the epicenter, a three story high school collapsed, burying about 900 students and killing at least 50.

Rose Charities is supporting its senior partner in international disaster relief, AMDA. AMDA Taiwan has a request pending to the Chinese Government to send a relief team and AMDA HQ is in negotiation to send a team from Japan. AMDA-RoseCharities Canada has experienced disaster personnel standing by (Dr Collin Yong - B.C. Childrens's Hospital, and R.N. Kirsten Reems - VHG) and is collecting donations and resources to assist.

In Myanmar, AMDA Myanmar health team is currently assisting in the disaster area manned mainly by local AMDA employees and volunteers. Funding has been sent form AMDA-Rose Canada but more is needed.