Sichuan Province, China: Catastrophic Earthquake
Global Aid Network sent a disaster specialist into the earthquake affected area of the Sichuan Province to work with partners and volunteers in response to the aftermath of the 7.9-magnitude earthquake and aftershocks that took place initially on May 12, 2008. Global Aid Network, along with trusted partners in China, is at work and already has helped address the needs of more than 100,000 people who are dealing with rebuilding their lives in the midst of sorrow, misery, and distress. According to the Chinese embassy in Washington, D.C., more than 4.3 million homes collapsed or were severely damaged by the earthquake that left more than 80,000 dead and around 5 million people homeless.
Our disaster assistance specialist visited several camps for displaced people and reports that in the wake of their tremendous losses, “They are trying to cope with the challenging, sometimes surreal situations in which they find themselves.” Global Aid Network and its partners who are working together to bring disaster assistance in China have targeted up to 15 different locations for volunteer teams to work to bring compassionate help in the name of Jesus Christ to people who survived the earthquake.
Global Aid Network's disaster specialist has provided intensive training to top Christian leaders who in turn trained 600 or more volunteers who are offering assistance in the 15 different sites. Because very few people have ever faced situations like ones these volunteers will face, it is imperative that they are thoroughly equipped for safety and for how to respond to questions and conditions that they will surely encounter.
Global Aid Network is seeking funding for disaster relief items such as:
- Tents or basic shelter supplies,
- Food preparation equipment and cooking fuel,
- Basic food items,
- Blankets,
- Clothing,
- Clean water, and
- Medicine.
Our initial funding goal to provide these items is $50,000 with a projected total need in excess of two million dollars. Additional plans are being made that may include deploying medical teams from Southeast Asia to assist survivors.
Global Aid Network’s Disaster Assistance Relief Teams endeavor to adhere to the Code of Conduct for the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in Disaster Relief and are committed to the Humanitarian Charter and Minimum Standards in Disaster Response (Sphere) in delivering assistance to the most vulnerable.
If you desire to help, please contribute through our most urgent needs fund. We believe your help can keep someone alive. Financial donations can be made online, or by calling 1-800-778-7806.
