|
 Just as the world is waking up to the looming disaster in cyclone-hit
Myanmar, it is hit by another equally devastating news. This time, it’s
from China where a powerful 7.9 magnitude earthquake struck the
southwest region on Monday (May 12) at about 2.40pm local time. As of
today (May 15), more than 14,500 have been reported killed, tens of
thousands still buried and thousands more injured. Official government
figures estimate that in all, about 10 million people have been
directly affected by the quake.
The epicentre was in the mountainous country of Weichuan which has a population of 100,000 people. The worst-hit areas are the hilly, rural area of Beichuan and southwest of Wenchuan. Buildings toppled in at least six counties neighbouring the epicentre. Thousands of schoolchildren and teachers are reported dead as schools collapsed, the worst being in Mianyang city where a seven-storey school collapsed upon at least a thousand teachers and students.
Spokesman of Islamic Union of Hong Kong, a Muslim Aid Australia’s partner NGO, said his organisation has despatched a response team to the affected areas immediately upon hearing the news. The team’s initial report indicated that there are pockets of Muslim communities living in the areas.
“Two mosques are totally destroyed while Muslim schoolchildren are among those who have perished in the disaster,” he said, adding that rescue efforts are hampered by damage to infrastructure where roads are clogged with debris from ruined buildings and landslides. At least one hospital was also reported to have collapsed.
Chinese officials have borne more alarming news. They have warned of dangers from increased strain on local dams as well as mudslides on brittle hillsides where rain has been forecast over the next few days. Two hydropower stations in Maoxian country are seriously damaged while landslides had blocked the flow of two rivers in northern Qingchuan country, forming a huge lake.
The IUHK spokesman also said the immediate needs of the survivors include tents, blankets, coats, drinking water and medicine. MAA and other Muslim Aid site offices in nearby countries are now making arrangements for supplies to reach the survivors.
However, as our experience in the past has proven that more needs to be done after the emergency phase is over. Thus, more funds are necessary for the long process of recovery and rebuilding – the premise of our 3R - Relief, Recover, Rebuild initiative.
Our valued donors, you can now help ease the suffering of the people of China by donating funds to the China Earthquake Appeal.
|
