China Earthquake

On May 12, 2008, an earthquake measuring 7.9 on the Richter scale struck Wenchuan County in China’s densely populated Sichuan Province, killing more than 60,000 people and injuring more than 300,000. Nearly 17,000 people are still missing. Other affected areas include Beichuan County, Deyang city, Mianyang city and Dujiangyan city where an estimated 900 students lost lives under a collapsed school. According to the government of China, the earthquake affected more than 46 million people, causing massive displacements in the worst earthquake to hit China in 32 years.

About 5.36 million buildings have been confirmed destroyed and more than 21 million were damaged in the earthquake. The Chinese government has set up relocation and resettlement centers to find shelter for many of the 5 million people whose homes were destroyed by the earthquake. The government has also encouraged the homeless to seek shelter with relatives and friends and has opened up public venues to provide temporary shelter to the affected people.

Habitat response

HFH China already has its plans under way to implement reconstruction activities following the initial relief phase. Under the first phase of the earthquake response project, HFH China is aiming at serving 1,000 families with repairs and new construction in the Sichuan and Yunnan provinces with a target budget of US$5 million. More families are expected to be served in later phases. An assessment team has been deployed to further document the need for safe, decent and affordable shelter and make a long-term plan to help the homeless in the two provinces return home as early as possible.

How you can help
You can take part in helping China’s displaced families by making an online donation towards building new houses for the affected families. Your gift to Habitat will support our efforts to make a difference.

Donate to Habitat to rebuild China