A strong earthquake of 7.1-magnitude hit the Yushu County of Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Yushu in Qinghai Province in northwest China on 14 April, causing heavy losses of lives and property. The death toll had climbed to 791 and another 294 people remained missing as of 8 a.m. Friday 16 April, with 15,000 residential buildings toppled and 100,000 residents forced to relocate so far.

 

In the immediate aftermath of the earthquake, Chinese President Hu Jintao and Premier Wen Jiabao issued important instructions, urging all-out efforts to save lives and provide assistance to people affected, and asking authorities to step up precautions in case of aftershocks, taken good care of local people's life while safeguarding social stability. The State Council of China has set up a quake-relief headquarters, with Vice Premier Hui Liangyu as the head, to take care of disaster relief, epidemic prevention, seismic monitoring and public security. For the effective conduct of disaster relief, President Hu Jintao postponed his visit to Venezuela and Chile to return home ahead of schedule. Premier Wen Jiabao postponed his visit to the Brunei, Indonesia, Myanmar and rushed to the quake-hit region to inspect the disaster relief work and visit quake-affected people. The Chinese Government has mobilized all efforts and resources for the rescue. Thousands of professional rescuers, soldiers, police officers, fire-fighters and medical workers have been mobilized nationwide to the quake zone, fighting altitude sickness, chilly weather, strong winds and frequent aftershocks to find survivors and treat the injured. Relief materials are pouring into the quake-hit region. The relief efforts so far have been strong, orderly and effective.

 

After the Yushu Autonomous Prefecture of Qinghai was hit by earthquake, the international community has extended their condolences and sympathy. Some countries and international organizations offered to provide assistance, which the Chinese Government and people highly appreciate. We firmly believe that with the joint efforts of the Chinese people and support from the international community, people in quake-hit regions will win over the disaster and rebuild their homelands.