MR team distributed first batch of relief supplies to 500 displaced families
Gansu, 25 July – The devastating 6.6 magnitude earthquake which hit Gansu province on Monday morning caused immense damage across its Min and Zhang counties, where nearly 100 lives perished and 300,000 more displaced from their homes. Responding to a direct request for humanitarian assistance from the Zhang County Poverty Alleviation & Development Bureau (ZCPADB), Mercy Relief’s (MR) 4-man team reached the affected village of Jiu Dian this afternoon to distribute survival essentials to the displaced survivors there.
The MR team landed in Gansu via Sichuan, within 24 hours of receiving the appeal for assistance, and met with the Head of ZCPADB, Chang Yu Zhong, to receive first-hand information on the situation, and personally recce the affected grounds. Amidst temperatures hovering 14 degrees Celsius and persistent rains, the team went on to procure the first batch of supplies including 500 blankets, paediatric medicines and 6,000 milk packs to address the basic needs of the survivors, particularly the young, sick and vulnerable. The RMB60,000-worth of supplies reached Jiu Dian village on Thursday afternoon and saw the immediate distribution to 500 affected families.
Commenting from Zhang county, MR Senior Programme Manager for China, Tsai Pi Kuang shared, “Similar to the Lushan earthquake which we responded to back in April, this wet weather condition further exposes the displaced victims to natural elements such as rains and strong winds. Mudslides and landslides further threaten the safety and well-being of the survivors, rescuers and aid workers, and in tandem, delaying the delivery of relief supplies and hinder rescue work. Due to the high altitude, it is important that aid supplies, including blankets and medicines, reach the survivors quickly to prevent or mitigate any risk of a secondary disaster such as an outbreak of diseases.”
Back at its Singapore HQ, MR has launched a public fundraising appeal from 25th Jul to 31st Aug 2013 to support its relief and recovery efforts for the quake victims.
Modes of donations:
- Cross cheque to Mercy Relief, with ‘Gansu Quake Relief 2013’ written on the reverse, and mail to 160, Lorong 1 Toa Payoh, #01-1568, S310160;
Cash donations at 160, Lorong 1 Toa Payoh, #01-1568, S310160;
Funds transfer to Mercy Relief’s DBS Current Account 054-900742-0;
Credit Card donation via www.mercyrelief.org (GIVE page, Pledge to “Foreign Fundraising 1”)
For more information, public can reach MR’s office at 6332 6320 or email intouch@mercyrelief.org.