St. John's Episcopal Church, Waynesboro
FrontPage

Episcopal Relief and Development

(Donna Balser)

 

For Immediate Release                                                    

Episcopal Relief and Development Continues to Respond to Earthquake in China

Episcopal Relief and Development continues to provide emergency assistance to families impacted by the severe earthquake in China.

Over 55,000 people are confirmed dead and 25,000 are still unaccounted for from the massive earthquake that shook southwest China on May 12th. Nearly 300,000 people have been injured.  So far, 4,000 children have been orphaned by the disaster.

Officials say about 10 million people have been affected by the quake.  Five million people in Sichuan Province are homeless.  Many are in refugee camps, without proper shelter, food or clean water. The Chinese government has issued an urgent appeal to the international community for 3.3 million tents to protect the quake refugees.

Episcopal Relief and Development is providing ongoing support to the Amity Foundation, its local partner, to distribute 240,000 kilos of rice to 16,000 people and plastic sheeting and quilts to provide shelter and warmth to 8,000 families impacted by the disaster.  The Amity Foundation is targeting areas in Sichuan, Gansu, and Sha’anxi Provinces where many people continue to suffer from harsh conditions, cold weather, and the loss of their homes, furniture, and all their personal belongings. 

Episcopal Relief and Development will continue to work with local partners on long-term reconstruction and rehabilitation of the devastated areas.  Housing, hospitals, clinics, schools, and water systems all need to be rebuilt. 

To help people affected by the earthquake in China, please make a donation to Episcopal Relief and Development’s “Emergency Relief Fund” online at www.er-d.org , or call 1-800-334-7626, ext. 5129. Gifts can be mailed to: Episcopal Relief and Development “Emergency Relief Fund” P.O. Box 7058, Merrifield, VA 22116-7058.