MAP International is working with partner organizations to rush emergency medical supplies into China to help survivors of a massive earthquake.
The death toll from China's worst earthquake in 30 years could rise to more than 50,000, with hope fading for 25,000 people still buried beneath rubble in southwest China.
MAP is coordinating with other international aid agencies to assess the situation and intervene in China's Chengdu region, near the epicenter of the earthquake. MAP is funding relief efforts by providing antibiotics, first-aid items, water purification tablets and other medicines and emergency supplies.
"The situation is critical and is especially tragic considering the number of children who have been killed or injured," said Chris Palusky, relief director for MAP International. "It is imperative that we quickly and compassionately provide medical care for the survivors. They desperately need our help."
Children and teachers remain trapped beneath collapsed school buildings, including more than 1,000 students who remain buried beneath the ruins of a seven-story school in the city of Mianyang. At least one hospital has collapsed.
The earthquake, which struck May 12 and registered 7.9 on the 10-point Richter scale, crumpled buildings in at least six counties and swayed others as far away as Bangkok, Thailand. Chinese President Hu Jintao has ordered an "all-out" rescue effort, as roads remain impassable to many affected areas and telephone lines are cut. Drinking water is limited, and transport planes have been dropping aid for survivors. Army troops have hiked in with additional supplies.
MAP's initial response includes $25,000 in medicines and other relief supplies. MAP will continue to monitor the situation as more news becomes available.
The quake is the worst since 1976, when the Tangshan tremor left 300,000 dead in northeastern China.
With more than 1.3 billion people, China is the largest country in East Asia and the most populous country in the world. Malnutrition and communicable diseases, such as tuberculosis, are especially problematic in less-developed areas, especially among children.
[ Any views expressed in this article are those of the writer and not of Reuters. ]
A survivor carries his baby on his back as he and some 1000 other survivors make a 9-hour walk from the village of Qingping to Hanwang, after the village was isolated ...
