Tens of thousands homes destroyed or damaged
Bangkok, 25th April 2013 – Habitat for Humanity has launched an appeal to assist families affected by the 7.0-magnititude earthquake that struck Lushan County, in Sichuan province, southwestern China, on Saturday 20 April.
Over 190 people have been killed, nearly two million people affected, and more than 70,000 homes have collapsed, according to the Civil Affairs Department of Sichuan. The earthquake epicenter was in Longmen township, Lushan county, in Ya’an City, at a shallow depth of just 13 kilometers.
“Our Habitat for Humanity China staff are in the affected area and liaising with the local government to formulate disaster response plans. We will be helping rebuild homes, and your donation will enable us to help more affected families. As in previous disasters, we are committed to supporting affected families rebuild their lives and gain access to decent shelter,” said Rick Hathaway, Asia-Pacific vice president for Habitat for Humanity.
To donate, please visit habitat.org/asiapacific
“We expect to initially start work in Qionglai City, just to the northeast of Ya’an City. Local government reports are that more than 19,000 homes were partially damaged, a further 4,400 severely damaged and around 500 houses totally destroyed in Qionglai”, added Hathaway.
Habitat for Humanity China responded after the 2008 Sichuan earthquake, and other disasters in mainland China. In Sichuan province, Habitat has built 1,500 houses to date in ten villages in the townships of Xiaoyudong, Bailu, Jiexing, Zhuyuan and Qionglai. None of these homes, or ones currently being built, sustained any damage in this recent earthquake.
In November 2009, former US President Jimmy Carter and his wife, Rosalynn, built homes in Qionglai City with Habitat for Humanity, as part of the annual Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project. Various high-profile Habitat supporters, such as Hong Kong actor Daniel Wu and model Lisa S also took part in the build event.
Habitat for Humanity China
Habitat for Humanity China was established in 2000 and merged its operations in Hong Kong and China into a single entity in 2006. The move aimed to leverage on the resources and business acumen of Asia’s premier international city to promote Habitat’s mission of providing decent housing for those in need in the world’s largest developing economy. Habitat for Humanity China currently works in Guangdong, Guangxi, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Sichuan and Yunnan. It has built and rehabilitated over 3,900 homes, serving more than 12,300 people.
For more information, or to donate or volunteer, please visit habitatchina.org or follow us at facebook.com/habitatchina.fanpage.
About Habitat for Humanity International
Habitat for Humanity International is a global nonprofit housing organization that brings people together to build homes, communities and hope. Since 1976, Habitat has served more than 600,000 families by building and improving homes; by advocating for fair and just housing policies; and by providing training and access to resources to help families improve their shelter conditions. An estimated 211,280 of these families are in the Asia-Pacific region, where Habitat has been active since 1983.
For more information, to donate or to volunteer, please visit habitat.org/asiapacific or follow us at facebook.com/habitat.
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Heron Holloway
Media Relations and Disaster Communications Manager, Asia-Pacific
Habitat for Humanity International • Asia-Pacific Satellite Office
56 Lorong 23 Geylang, #05-00, Century Technology Building, Singapore 388381
Tel: +65 6744 2768 • Mobile: +65 9068 1892 • Skype: heron.holloway
hholloway@habitat.org• habitat.org/asiapacific | What will you build?