China earthquake: Plan to help post-recovery efforts

A man walks past the remains of an apartment block in the city of Dujiangyan. PHOTO:Reuters/David Gray courtesy www.alertnet.org

19 May 2008: Plan has launched an appeal to help children and families affected by the devastating earthquake that hit China's Sichuan province on 12 May.

Measuring 7.9 on the Richter scale, the earthquake caused thousands of buildings to collapse killing more than 50,000 people and affecting some 10,000,000 people. More than 26,000 children and adults are still reported missing.

Plan communities

Fortunately, there have been no casualties among sponsored children, their families, community members or staff members in Plan’s programme areas in China.

Extensive assessments show that throughout Plan’s programme areas more than 100 school and office buildings have collapsed, and more than 1,300 buildings are damaged. 

Recovery effort

The Chinese government has mobilised the army and civil defence staff to conduct emergency response operations.

Plan will contribute to the enormous recovery effort by providing post-disaster aid, including water, shelter, medicine, hygiene kits, blankets, clothes and other relief items as well as psychosocial support for children.

Plan will also be involved in repairing and rebuilding schools, homes and other infrastructure damaged by the earthquake.

Make a donation

Please support Plan’s post-recovery efforts in China by making a donation via one of our fundraising organisations:

Canada | Japan | Korea | Sweden | UK | USA

All construction undertaken by or on behalf of Plan will adhere to ‘National Construction Standards’ to ensure that schools and buildings are built to the highest standard and provide the best protection possible.

The epicentre of the earthquake and Plan's programme units