UNICEF - United Nations Children's Fund

Published purpose

April 22, 2010 - On April 14, 2010 a major earthquake measuring 6.9 on the Richter scale hit a remote area of China's North Western province of Qinghai. The official death toll has reached 2,183, with 84 people still missing. Reports indicate that at least 15,000 homes have been destroyed, livelihoods have been affected including 40,879 livestock killed and some 100,000 people have been left homeless. According to local education authorities, 80 per cent of primary schools and 50 per cent of secondary schools in Qinghai have been severely damaged. Between 200,000 and 400,000 children are thought to be affected. Through this project, UNICEF is responding to the immediate needs of women and children who are vulnerable to cold, hunger and psychological distress through the provision of urgent life-saving assistance such as the distribution of relief supplies (blankets, jackets, trousers, boots, and 40,000 hygiene kits), the establishment of water points, latrines and Child-Friendly Spaces, temporary schools and prevention of family separation. UNICEF also coordinates, monitors and supports health, education, water and sanitation, and protection interventions led by other humanitarian actors on the ground.