China Earthquake ::

Last Monday's 7.9 magnitude tremor, which was focused in China's Sichuan Province, is estimated to have killed at least 34,000 people - and that toll has continued to rise dramatically as rescue teams reach the most affected areas. In cities near the earthquake's epicenter, rescue crews continue to sift through the rubble of collapsed buildings in search of thousands who are still missing.

The Chinese government estimates that at least 436,000 homes have been destroyed, and there reports that almost five million people are homeless.

As China begins three days of national mourning for victims, aftershocks continue to shake Sichuan Province - including a 6.0 magnitude earthquake early Sunday morning, the latest in a series of several thousand tremors in less than a week - causing landslides, disrupting telecommunications and blocking roads in already-devastated areas. Fears of flash floods and weakened dams are also hampering already-difficult relief operations.

The Chinese government is now requesting non government organizations and charitable agencies to provide relief.

Asia SPAN International is responding by sending in an ASSESSMENT TEAM into Sichuan over the next few days to assess the need on behalf of us and sponsored by our aid agency partner in Canada, ERDO. These are early days in what will be a long process of recovery for the affected areas; and there is much to be done. The purpose of this trip is to assess and determine a meaningful response to this region during this time.

YOU CAN HELP by praying for our ASSESSMENT TEAM as they travel in the coming weeks.

YOU CAN GIVE to support the emergency relief work by visiting www.asiaspan.ca and putting "China Crisis" in the subject box.

YOU CAN PREPARE to respond as we assess the needs and various ways we will contribute. If you are interested in partnering with us in ANY WAY, please email us today to be added to our CHINA EARTHQUAKE UPDATES list so we can keep you informed on the result of our assessment and our plans for response.