THE Chinese Government has extended its appreciation to the international community for its condolences and sympathy to its quake-affected people, following a devastating earthquake last week.
The following is a press release from the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Georgetown: On April 14, a devastating earthquake measuring 7.1 magnitude struck Yushu County, Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Yushu in southern Qinghai Province of China, causing huge lives and property losses. Up to April 15, the death toll rose to 617 and 313 were missing; another 9,110 were injured and over 15,000 houses collapsed and 100,000 people affected by the quake needed to be relocated.
Chinese President Hu Jintao and Premier Wen Jiabao Wednesday called for all-out efforts to rescue people and provide assistance to the quake-hit area.
They also asked relevant authorities to step up precautions in case of aftershocks, making sure people in the disaster-devastated area are to be taken good care of, and to safeguard social stability in the quake-devastated region in Qinghai Province.
The State Council has activated the highest level of response mechanism for national disaster relief and set up headquarters for the quake relief work.
President Hu Jintao has cut short his visit to South America and returned home ahead of schedule. Premier Wen Jiabao has postponed a scheduled visit to Brunei, Indonesia, and Myanmar and dashed for the quake-hit region to inspect the situation, console the victims and lead the rescue and relief effort.
Currently, the Chinese Government is mobilizing all state and civil resources, and rescue teams and relief materials are continuously pouring into the disaster-devastated region. The relief work is ongoing effectively and orderly.
The Chinese Government appreciates the condolence and sympathy extended from the international community to the quake-affected people. It is convinced that with the joint efforts of the Chinese people, along with the support of the international community, the people in the quake-devastated region will surely overcome this disaster and rebuild their homes.