2010-04-20
AMDA Emergency Bulletin II: Qinghai Earthquake Emergency Relief, China

After arriving in Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan on Apr. 16th, AMDA coordinator met with the officials from Sichuan Academy of Chinese Medicine Science (SACMS) as well as Nong Gong Party, a prominent political party, to discuss further actions in quake-hit Qinghai province.  AMDA collaborated with both parties in 2008’s Sichuan Earthquake which took the form of a months-long joint relief effort. 

According to the local news, the death toll is nearly 1,800 with approximately 300 still missing, however the figure could rise as there are no proper census records at this time.  The earthquake affected the areas in the vicinity of approximately 30,000 sq. km, leaving more than 100,000 people being affected.  At the disaster site, Tibetan volunteers are working as interpreters as most of the victims can only speak Tibetan.

On Apr. 17th, AMDA coordinator visited local hospitals in Chengdu for a survey where some of the patients from Qinghai have been transferred.

On Apr. 18th AMDA coordinator went to Xining, the capital of quake-hit Qinghai province.  With a help of Nong Gong Party, AMDA donated medicine and other necessities to local authorities to be distributed to the hardest-hit Yushu area.  After a small donation ceremony was held, the relief goods were immediately taken to the health ministry which will then be provided at the army’s medical center in Yushu.

Later that day, AMDA coordinator visited Qinghai Mother and Children Hospital in Xining where they have been treating about 80 children from the disaster site.  With a half of them severely injured, the children appreciated the dolls given to them and seemed somewhat relieved after the horrific experiences they withstood.

Hoping to carry out its follow up mission after three to six months, AMDA coordinator returned home on Apr. 20th.  As entry to Yushu has been restricted for now, the arrangement is under way.

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