Help Yushu Recover
In the early hours of April 14, 2010 the remote Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Yushu, in Southwest Qinghai was struck by a series of devastating earthquakes. The worst of these, a magnitude 7.1 quake, caused over 2,000 fatalities, in excess of 10,000 injured and the loss of most buildings. Thankfully much has been pledged towards the rebuilding effort, but the trauma that individuals have suffered will continue for many years to come.
The Need
Long after the bridges, buildings, roads and utilities have been restored, the physical, emotional and psychological damage survivors have suffered will remain. This is the legacy of the Sichuan earthquake. We believe that this is the time to address the problem of dealing with that legacy or survivors will suffer far longer than necessary.
What does this involve? The first step is to acknowledge that a short-term `band-aid' approach is not what is required. Christian Action is already helping with survivors who are hospitalized in Xining and is now in close consultation with the government regarding the long-term after-care of the earthquake's survivors. This will include medical and rehabilitation programs, trauma counseling and related services.
The Plan
Christian Action staff were to be at a ground-breaking ceremony which was to mark the beginning of the construction of a new orphanage to be built together with the Yushu Government at the time that the earthquake struck. Thankfully, the meeting had been cancelled and our five staff were spared the trauma of being near the epicentre at that time.
Our commitment to helping the people of Yushu still stands and we are considering a Rehabilitation Center modeled after the Children's Rehabilitation Center which we co-manage with the government in Xining. The new center will include services for all survivors of the earthquake.
To accomplish this we not only need your financial support, we also need any specifically related skills you can volunteer.
Why donate to Christian Action?
Christian Action has been serving in Qinghai Province for over thirteen years and has invested over HK$32 million in helping the people of Qinghai. Our poverty alleviation work and the co-management of Children's Homes and Qinghai's first Children's Rehabilitation Center has gained the respect of local and provincial government departments. We have clearly demonstrated that Christian Action is committed to Qinghai - and Yushu - for the long term. But we need your help to ensure that the rehabilitation care of earthquake survivors will become a reality in Yushu!