Emergency Response

Massive Earthquake Devastates Region of China

May 13, 2008

Photos by Amity Foundation-ACT International

On May 12, a 7.8 magnitude earthquake devastated parts of China's Sichuan Province and surrounding areas. Schools, hospitals, factories, and other buildings have collapsed, killing thousands. The death toll has officially exceeded 20,000 and may climb much higher.

The earthquake destroyed up to 80 percent of buildings in the hardest-hit region, which was also affected by landslides, power failures, and a near-total breakdown of communication. Since communication lines and roads have been destroyed, it is difficult to get precise information from Wenchuan, the epicentre of the earthquake, located 90 km from Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province. Since the earthquake has hit hard-to-access mountainous areas, it will take a long time before local communities can recover from the extensive damage.

Photos by Amity Foundation-ACT International

The United Church of Canada supports projects in Sichuan Province through its partner organization Amity Foundation, and we are remaining in close contact with its staff. Amity has set up a local office in Chengdu and has begun releasing emergency funds to help alleviate people's immediate suffering. It is coordinating its relief efforts with local partners and other Chinese non-governmental organizations. Relief efforts will cover the provision of food and water, medicines, sanitation, quilts and temporary shelters for earthquake victims.

The United Church has contributed an initial $5,000 to Amity Foundation to assist it with its efforts.

Action by Churches Together (ACT) International, a global alliance of faith-based relief organizations that work through local and regional partners, and of which the United Church is a member, has issued an appeal* for financial assistance from its members.

How United Church Members Can Help

• Pray: From the General Council Office, our thoughts and prayers go out to our sisters and brothers who have been affected by the earthquake in China. United Church members across Canada are urged also to pray for the people who live in affected communities. Note that the United Church's work with Amity in Sichuan Province is portrayed on the May 18 United Church bulletin cover.
• Donate: If you wish to make a donation, funds collected will be shared directly with networks in the region. Cheques and online donations should be made payable to The United Church of Canada and marked "China Earthquake." The funds will be regarded as supragifts.

Please note: Supragifts cannot be counted as M&S Fund credits. However, they are eligible for tax receipts. Congregational treasurers may receive and receipt individual cheques and then forward one congregational cheque to the United Church.

For more information contact:

Gary Kenny
Program Coordinator for Southern Africa/Emergency Response
Justice, Global and Ecumenical Relations Unit
The United Church of Canada
3250 Bloor St. West, Suite 300
Toronto, Ontario M8X 2Y4
Tel: 416-231-7680 ext. 4051
Fax: 416-231-3103
E-mail: Gary Kenny