"Saving Lives is the Top Priority"

Chinese President Hu Jintao said this to rescue workers as he toured the quake-stricken area on Friday, May 16. The Chinese government was quick to react to the 7.9 magnitude earthquake that rocked Sichuan, Gansu and Shanxi Provinces. Most of the damage and deaths occurred in Sichuan Province.

The current estimate is nearly 29,000 dead and nearly 200,000 injured. It is estimated that over 12,000 people still remain buried and nearly 5 million people are homeless. Facilities to house, clothe and feed the refugees are of prime concern. Many have gone days without proper food and water.

The catastrophe has caused an outpouring of support from throughout China and the rest of the world. The Chinese government has so far allocated US$ 489 million and domestic donations have totaled US$ 371 million while foreign governments and international organizations have given US$ 83 million. Rescue teams from Japan, Russia, Singapore and South Korea have also been granted permission to operate and the first teams arrived Friday.

How You Can Help: The Community Center Shanghai has published a list of local organizations which are accepting contributions.

Travel to the Area: It is still not advised to travel to Sichuan Province and the quake-stricken neighbors. The US Embassy in Beijing published the following travel advisory on May 16. This Travel Alert advises American citizens that a 7.9 magnitude earthquake struck China's eastern Sichuan province on May 12. Due to rescue and relief operations, damage to infrastructure throughout the area, and the continuing potential for aftershocks, U.S. citizens are urged to defer travel to Sichuan province. This Travel Alert expires on June 30, 2008.

Sources: CNN, Shanghai Daily.