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Reactions to the 2008 Sichuan earthquake

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The 2008 Sichuan earthquake, magnitude 7.9 Mw, occurred at 14:28:01.42 CST (06:28:01.42 UTC) on 12 May 2008,[1] with its epicenter in Wenchuan County, Sichuan province of the People's Republic of China. The disaster prompted many offers of monetary donations and other forms of aid from across the globe.

Government responses

Australia Australia

Foreign Minister Stephen Smith has expressed his condolences and offered help of search and rescue experts.[2]

Bhutan Bhutan

Bhutanese King Jigme Khesar Wangchuck and Prime Minister Jigme Thinley sent condolences to the Chinese people, the government of China and the families of the victims of the earthquake.[3] The Bhutanese government also expressed a belief that the victims will be able to rebuild their lives.[3]

Brunei Brunei

Prime Minister Hassanal Bolkiah expressed great sadness at the loss of life and destruction in China.[4]

Canada Canada

Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Maxime Bernier said, "We are greatly saddened by the news that thousands lost their lives and that hundreds of children who were at school at the time are trapped in the debris."[5]

France France

French President Nicolas Sarkozy said in a letter to Chinese President Hu Jintao, "I would like to let you know that I am deeply moved and would like to assure you of France's support for the Chinese people in this difficult moment."[5]

Germany Germany

German Chancellor Angela Merkel has offered her condolences as well as stating that the German government was ready to provide speedy assistance.[6] Germany announced that it would provide, via the German Red Cross, an initial €500,000 in aid.[7]

Hong Kong Hong Kong

Hong Kong pledged $38.4 million in aid and volunteer rescue teams for the victims in Sichuan.[8]

Hungary Hungary

Prime Minister Gyurcsány Ferenc sent a telegraph to Premier of the People's Republic of China Wen Jiabao to send his condolences, and those of the Hungarian people and government, to the victims and to those injured by earthquake. Laszlo Paloczi travelled to the region from Bangkok to prepare and estimate the help of a rescue team of 40 members.

India India

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh expressed his deep sorrow at the loss of lives and said, "India stands ready to offer any assistance that may be needed at this difficult time".[9]

Iran Iran

Foreign Ministry Spokesman Mohammad Ali Hosseini expressed his deep regret, as well as that of the Iranian government and people, expressed sympathy for the Chinese government and the families of victims, and prayed for immediate recovery of the injured.[10]

Italy Italy

The italian Foreign Affairs Minister Franco Frattini expressed to the chinese counterpart Mr. Yang Jechi his deep sorrow for the enormous loss of human lives caused by the earthquake in the Sichuan region, adding that the whole italian country participates in solidarity with all the chinese people suffering because of this mournful event. He moreover said that Italy is ready to supply all the assistance needed in this circumstance by the chinese government.[11]

Japan Japan

Japan has offered to send aid to Chinese victims of the quake.[12] The Japanese foreign minister said that China has asked Japan for aid and is set to receive an initial $4.8 million in cash and goods.[13]

Kenya Kenya

Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki said he was saddened by the disaster. "On behalf of the government and the people of Kenya and on my own behalf, I send this message of condolence and encouragement to the government and the people of China following the tragic loss of lives as a result of the earthquake," Kibaki said in a statement.[5]

Lithuania Lithuania

Lithuanian President Valdas Adamkus extended condolences to President Hu Jintao of the People’s Republic of China, saying, "In this hour of grief for your country, the people of Lithuania stand in solidarity with the people of China affected by great pain and suffering. The tragedy caused by the earthquake is a serious challenge to the whole of China. I therefore wish you fortitude and strength in eliminating the consequences of this disaster."[14]

Macau Macau

The Macau government appropriated 15.7 million USD for aid.[15]

Malaysia Malaysia

On Tuesday, the Malaysian Foreign Ministry expressed deep sadness over loss of lives in the devastating earthquake in Southwest China. So far, there had been no injuries or fatalities among Malaysians in the affected areas.[16]

New Zealand New Zealand

Deputy Prime Minister Michael Cullen extended New Zealand's sympathy and condolences to China, and said New Zealand stood ready to assist in an appropriate way if they were asked.[17]

North Korea North Korea

The General Secretary of the Korean Worker Party Kim Jong Il expressed his deepest sympathy with the Chinese Communist Party and the Chinese government and sent condolences to the Chinese people's victims families.[18]

Pakistan Pakistan

President Pervez Musharraf extended condolences to China, and stated that the country stood by the great Chinese people, and assured them of Pakistan's full support and solidarity.[19]

Philippines Philippines

Republic of the Philippines President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has ordered a medical team to be deployed in the affected region. The Philippine government also donated $450,000 in aid for the victims in Sichuan and $300,000 to aid disaster relief efforts from Cyclone Nargis in Myanmar.[20]

Russia Russia

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has sent a message of solace, stating that Russia is ready to help if necessary.[21]

Singapore Singapore

Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong offered to provide rescue teams and emergency workers to assist the recovery efforts.[22] President Sellapan Ramanathan expressed his sadness over the great loss of life.[23]

South Korea South Korea

South Korean President Lee Myung-bak sent a condolence telegram to Chinese President Hu Jintao.[13]

Taiwan Republic of China (Taiwan)

Prime Minister Chang Chun-hsiung said, "We expressed our condolences and we are willing to assist in rescue missions and provide necessary humanitarian aid."[5]

Flag of the Tibet Government in Exile Tibet Government in Exile The 14th Dalai Lama extends his deep sympathy and heartfelt condolences to those families who have been directly affected by the strong earthquake on 12 May 2008 and offer his prayers for those who have lost their lives and those injured in the quake.[24]

United Kingdom United Kingdom

Foreign Secretary David Miliband said he offered help from Britain and expressed his condolences to China.[25]

United States United States

President George W. Bush gave China his condolences, and stated that "the thoughts and prayers of the American people are with the Chinese people, especially those directly affected. The United States stands ready to help in any way possible."[26] White House Press Secretary Dana Perino said that China had yet to ask for aid, so "what we can do as a country is offer our support and our thoughts and our prayers."[26] On Tuesday, President George W. Bush spoke with Chinese President Hu Jintao on the telephone, during which they discussed the earthquake, among other issues.[27] The U.S. has pledged an initial $500,000 in aid.[28]

 Vatican City

Pope Benedict XVI said Wednesday he was praying for the victims of the devastating earthquake that killed thousands of people in China.[29]

Vietnam Vietnam

The Government of Vietnam has sent condolence messages to its Chinese counterpart.[30]

Responses from organizations

United Nations United Nations

By a the office of the Spokesman for Secretary General of the United Nations, Ban Ki Moon, announced a grant of $7 million from the Central Emergency Response fund, to be used by “be used by United Nations agencies, funds and programmes to help meet the most urgent humanitarian requirements.” [31] Also, the Spokesman for Mr. Ban said, through a statement, “The Secretary-General is deeply saddened by the loss of life and destruction of property suffered by the people of Sichuan Province in China in the devastating earthquake that struck the area today. He extends his deepest condolences to the families of those who have been killed or injured in the earthquake.” [32] By a statement through his spokesman,President of the United Nations General Assembly, Srgjan Kerim, “extends his support to the authorities in China in their effort to mitigate the aftereffects of the earthquake and welcomes the readiness of the international community – including and especially on the part of the United Nations system -- to assist the country and the people of China to overcome the immediate humanitarian as well as longer term infrastructural effects of the devastation of this natural catastrophe.” [33] Elizabeth Byrs of the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs told reporters at a press briefing in Geneva that a UN Disaster Assessment and Coordination Team alert was sent out to alert China that the world body is ready to help if needed.[34]

European Union European Union

The EU has offered assistance to China following the earthquake and has been monitoring the situation afterwards.[35]

Flag of the Olympic Games International Olympic Committee

The head of the Olympic Committee, Jacques Rogge, sent his condolences. He said to President Hu Jintao, "The Olympic Movement is at your side, especially during these difficult moments. Our thoughts are with you."[36] In addition, the committee decided to donate $1.0 million for disaster relief efforts.[13] Rogge, later said, “This appears to be a major disaster, the scale of which is only just becoming apparent. I feel deeply for those affected and join in solidarity with the people of China.” [37]

The Red Cross International Red Cross

The International Red Cross has released about $235,000 in emergency funds.[38] The British Red Cross has released $49,000 from its Disaster Fund and also launched an emergency appeal on 14 May 2008 to support the Red Cross Movement's response.[39]

Oxfam

Oxfam has contributed $1.55 million for emergency relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction.[40]

Giving Children Hope

Giving Children Hope is sending a container of relief to China.[41]

References

  1. ^ "Strong earthquake hits southwest China". Reuters. 2008-05-12. Retrieved 2008-05-13. {{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  2. ^ "Australia offers expert rescue help to China". Xinhua. 2008-05-12. {{cite web}}: Text "2008-05-13" ignored (help)
  3. ^ a b "More countries, leaders offer condolences to China over deadly quake". Xinhuanet. 2008-05-15. Retrieved 2008-05-15.
  4. ^ "His Majesty sends condolences". The Brunei Times. 2008-05-14. {{cite web}}: Text "2008-05-14" ignored (help)
  5. ^ a b c d "World powers, Asian neighbours offer help after China quake". Channel NewsAsia. 2008-05-13.
  6. ^ "European Commission Offers Earthquake Aid to China". Deutsche Welle. 2008-05-12. Retrieved 2008-05-12.
  7. ^ "Germany announces aid to China over earthquake". Xinhua. 2008-05-14. Retrieved 2008-05-14.
  8. ^ "Hong Kong pledges 38 million US dollars to China earthquake rescue". The Earth Times. 2008-05-13. Retrieved 2008-05-13. {{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  9. ^ Manmohan condoles death of thousands in China quake
  10. ^ "伊朗驻华大使向中国外交部长就中国四川地震表示慰问" (in Chinese). 伊朗通讯社. 2008-05-13. Retrieved 2008-05-14.
  11. ^ "Cina: Frattini: Italia pronta a fornire assistenza" (in Italian). La Repubblica.it. 2008-05-16. Retrieved 2008-05-16.
  12. ^ "Thousands dead in Chinese quake". BBC. 2008-05-12. Retrieved 2008-05-12.
  13. ^ a b c "China requests quake aid - Japan foreign minister". Thomson Reuters. 2008-05-13.
  14. ^ "President Extends Condolences to the Leader of China". Press Service of the President. 2008-05-13. Retrieved 2008-05-14. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  15. ^ "Macau government appropriated 110 million for aid". 2008-05-13. Retrieved 2008-05-13. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |publiser= ignored (|publisher= suggested) (help)Template:Zh icon
  16. ^ "Malaysia expresses deep sadness over loss of lives in China quake". Xinhua. 2008-05-13. Retrieved 2008-05-13.
  17. ^ "New Zealand extends sympathy after China earthquake". Xinhua. 2008-05-13. Retrieved 2008-05-13.
  18. ^ "김정일장군님께서 호금도주석에게 지진피해 위문전문" (in Korean). 조선신보. 2008-05-14. Retrieved 2008-05-14.
  19. ^ "DAWN Latest Stories; May 13, 2008". Dawn (newspaper). 2008-05-13. Retrieved 2008-05-13.
  20. ^ "Gov't to send medical team to China". Philippine Daily Inquirer. 2008-05-13. Retrieved 2008-05-13.
  21. ^ "Russian president sends message of solace to Chinese president". Xinhua. 2008-05-12. {{cite web}}: Text "2008-05-13" ignored (help)
  22. ^ "S'pore offers help to China's earthquake disaster". The Straits Times. 2008-05-13. Retrieved 2008-05-13. {{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  23. ^ "President Nathan "saddened" by great loss of lives in China". Channel NewsAsia. 2008-05-14. Retrieved 2008-05-14. {{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  24. ^ "Dalai Lama - Media Release". 2008-5-13. Retrieved 2008-05-14. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  25. ^ "Britain expresses condolences over deadly earthquake in China". chinaview.cn. 2008-05-13.
  26. ^ a b "Bush: US 'ready to help' China after quake". Google. 2008-05-12. {{cite web}}: Text "2008-05-12" ignored (help)
  27. ^ "Chinese, U.S. presidents talk over phone on quake, ties, Tibet". Xinhua. 2008-05-13. Retrieved 2008-05-13.
  28. ^ "US to give $500,000 to China earthquake relief". Reuters. May 13, 2008. Retrieved 2008-05-14.
  29. ^ "Pope Benedict XVI prays for victims of China earthquake". Herald Tribune. 2008-05-14. Retrieved 2008-05-14.
  30. ^ "Vietnamese leaders offer condolences to China over earthquake". Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Vietnam). 2008-05-14. {{cite web}}: Text "2008-05-14" ignored (help)
  31. ^ "SECRETARY-GENERAL ANNOUNCES $7 MILLION GRANT FROM EMERGENCY FUND TO HELP MEET URGENT HUMANITARIAN NEEDS FOLLOWING CHINA'S EARTHQUAKE". United Nations Department of Public Information. Retrieved 2008-05-16.
  32. ^ "SECRETARY-GENERAL DEEPLY SADDENED BY LOSS OF LIFE, DESTRUCTION CAUSED BY EARTHQUAKE IN CHINA, SAYS UNITED NATIONS READY TO SUPPORT GOVERNMENT IN HUMANITARIAN EFFORT". United Nations Department of Public Information. Retrieved 2008-05-16.
  33. ^ . UN News Centre. 2008=05-12 http://www.un.org/ga/president/62/news/chinaearthquake120508.shtml. Retrieved 2008-05-16. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help); Missing or empty |title= (help)
  34. ^ "UN stands ready to help victims of China's deadly earthquake". UN News Centre. 2008-05-13. Retrieved 2008-05-13. {{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  35. ^ "EU offers aid in China quake". The Australian. 2008-05-12. Retrieved 2008-05-12.
  36. ^ "Yahoo News on China Earthquake". Yahoo!. 2008-05-12. Retrieved 2008-05-12.
  37. ^ "MESSAGE OF SYMPATHY TO CHINESE EARTHQUAKE VICTIMS AND FAMILIES". 2008-05-12.
  38. ^ Stevens, Deven (2008-05-14). "Locals mobilizing to help Chinese earthquake victims". The Chronicle Herald. Retrieved 2008-05-14.
  39. ^ "China Earthquake information sheet". The British Red Cross. 2008-05-14. Retrieved 2008-05-15.
  40. ^ "Oxfam allocates $1.5 million for China earthquake relief". Oxfam. 2008-05-14.
  41. ^ "Urgent: Responding to Earthquake in China". Retrieved 2008-05-17.
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