CERF allocates $4.7 million to assist people affected by the earthquake in China

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) will receive $1.5 million for the rubble clearance, emergency rehabilitation of community infrastructure, and provision of emergency shelter, which will benefit a total of 95,000 people. Some $1.4 million will go to the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) for emergency assistance to children, women and families affected by the earthquake. The World Health Organization (WHO) will use $1 million to save lives and reduce suffering of 93,000 people affected by the earthquake. The World Food Programme (WFP) will provide food to 125,000 earthquake-affected people by using $450,000. Finally the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) will receive $350,000 to provide reproductive health care and psycho-social support for over 20,000 women.

A 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck the Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Yushu in China's Qinghai Province on the morning of 14 April 2010. AIn addition to Yushu, five neighbouring counties (Chengduo, Zhiduo, Zaduo, Nangqian, Qumalai) were also affected. In total, the six affected counties are home to 357,000 people, 93 percent of whom are members of the Tibetan ethnic minority.

The official death toll as of the end of April stood at 2,220, with 70 missing and a further 12,135 injured. Government estimates put the total number of affected at 265,000. The earthquake also caused extensive damage to local infrastructure, including roads, health facilities, schools and administration buildings. The quake damaged local hydro-electric plants and water purification systems, disrupting power and water supplies to the region. Telecommunications installations were also initially affected.

Although Government assessments are still ongoing, early estimates indicate that at least 15,000 houses, many built of wood, with earthen walls, were damaged or destroyed, leaving over 125,000 in need of relocation and/or temporary shelter. The need for urgent action following the earthquake is further heightened by pre-existing high levels of poverty in the affected region.