Earthquake in China

Handicap International provides round-the-clock aid after Chinese Earthquake

Following the devastating earthquake in Sichuan province, China, on May 12 Handicap International is providing round-the-clock medical aid in Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan. Measuring 7.9 on the Richter Scale, the earthquake has so far claimed more than 40,000 lives and a further 250,000 are injured or feared missing.

Reaching those affected by the earthquake has been extremely difficult as many of the worst hit areas are inaccessible by road. Poor weather conditions have also hampered the relief effort.

Handicap International has so far concentrated its efforts on providing medical aid in hospitals inside Chengdu, which is situated 90km from the epicentre of the earthquake. The team consists of 1 co-coordinator, three physiotherapists and a logistics officer.
     
As survivors stream into Chengdu hoping to receive treatment, hospitals in the city are being stretched well beyond their capacity. “Patients are being transferred here at an exponential rate,” explains Jean Van Wetter, Director of Handicap International in China. “Even the car parks, which were temporarily setup to receive patients, are now full. People are now being treated outside in tents on the street.”

Physiotherapists from Handicap International are currently working in the 1000-bed Chengdu Hospital 3. In particular, they are trying to assess the needs of the most badly injured, as they know from previous emergency efforts that the chances of permanent disability are greatly reduced if the injured receive immediate attention by specialists.

The hospital is currently treating around 260 quake-affected injured patients, 80% of which have broken bones and are in desperate need of fresh medical supplies. Although a cargo of supplies has arrived in recent days, the problems are still very severe. 

Marc Joolen, General Director of Handicap International Belgium says: “The medical staff here are in great need of crutches, wheelchairs and plasters. Tents are also needed to house new arrivals. At the moment we are concentrating on providing primary medical care. This is an absolute priority. However, in time, our physiotherapists hope to support the local medical staff and use their expertise to aid long-term relief and make sure the needs of disabled people are a made key part of the rehabilitation process.”

Handicap International has been present in China since 1997. It runs projects in 3 geographical zones: the province of Sichuan, the autonomous region of Guangxi and the autonomous region of Tibet. In Sichuan, the organization carries out community based rehabilitation projects. The objective of these projects is to ensure that people with a disability are re-integrated into their own community and can live a normal life.

Please help directly support the emergency relief efforts of Handicap International in China. Please mention the China earthquake appeal when making your donation.

Donations may be made:
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By Phone: 0870 774 3737
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Handicap International UK
Waterman House
101-107 Chertsey Road
Woking, Surrey
GU21 5BW