UNICEF emergency relief supplies reach Yushu

BEIJING, 26 April 2010 – With support of Chinese government authorities, the first consignment of UNICEF emergency relief aid, after travelling for many days on congested and damaged roads covering more than 800 km, finally arrived in Jiegu Township of Yushu County, the worst hit area by the 7.1-magnitude earthquake of 14 April. The relief supplies valued in excess of US$270,000 consist of over 100 insulated classroom tents and 2,000 wool blankets for the local school children affected by the earthquake.

The massive earthquake caused extensive damage to school buildings and facilities, affecting a student population of more than 22,000. Resumption of formal classes has been made one of the top priorities by education authorities. The UNICEF-assisted school tents, each measuring 72 square metres and large enough to accommodate 50 students will provide support for the immediate education needs of at least 5,000 students in the worst hit areas to recommence regular classes.

"We are pleased to see our first consignment of aid reached Yushu," said Dr. Yin Yin Nwe, UNICEF Representative and Chair of the UN Disaster Management Team in China, "Getting children back to school as early as possible following disaster is an effective intervention to help them recover from the traumatic experiences and resume a sense of normalcy."

UNICEF is closely working with its government partners to deliver further emergency education supplies including 5,000 sets of students kits, 5,000 sets of  warm clothing for children aged 6-15, 2,000 pairs of warm boots for children aged 6-8 as well as 20 electronic generators to keep school shelters warm. 

"It is urgent that we reach out to children whose lives have been seriously affected by the devastating earthquake," said Mr. David McLoughlin, Deputy Representative of UNICEF China, "We are coordinating our assistance with the government counterparts at all levels to respond quickly to the critical needs of children."

The earthquake epicenter of Yushu County is located on the Tibet plateau with an average altitude of 4,000 metres above sea level. Surrounding roads and transportation have been affected by the earthquake to varying degrees. As of 25 April 2010, 2,220 people are reported dead and 70 missing.

Following this disaster, UNICEF is rushing emergency relief assistance to help children affected by the earthquake in health, water and sanitation, education and child protection.