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Following recent flooding and landslides in and around Yingxiu — the epicentre of the 12 May 2008 Sichuan earthquake — there is once again a need for blankets, towels and sheets to provide relief for victims of this latest disaster to hit the region, SQR found today following a needs assessment.
Rebuilt homes, almost complete following the 2008 earthquake, hit by floodwater in Yingxiu Town this week. Image (c) www.news.cn
The three most seriously-affected towns in this region are Yingxiu Town, Longchi Town and Hongkou Township. Many of the combined population of around 23,000 people have spent the last two years reeling from the repercussions of the 2008 earthquake. Some had recently moved back into permanent housing from temporary shelters, while others were in the process of moving back into rebuilt homes when the floodwaters swept through their towns.
Access to these towns is currently restricted to official relief vehicles and local residents. SQR travelled to Juyuan Town, just outside Dujiangyan City, to speak with evacuees and other organisations dealing with the situation. Over 1000 people of all ages are currently sheltering in the dormitories of Juyuan Vocational Middle School, with 100 more due to arrive this afternoon. Around 5000 people have been evacuated from the region so far, according to the volunteers coordinating the dorms. Many evacuees we spoke to had come from Longchi; they described having lost everything except the clothes they were wearing, their new homes and possessions destroyed.
Volunteers said the rescue and evacuation operation had been carried out with speed and efficiency, food was currently being provided by the school catering service, but there was a pressing need for new or good condition, freshly-laundered blankets, towels and bedsheets. SQR will channel any donations to the evacuees through local volunteer groups.
Please contact SQR if you are able to help.