World Vision Appealing for $2 Million for Deadly C...( -- Agency aims to reach 107000 su...),Health

-- Agency aims to reach 107,000 survivors with emergency and recovery Assistance

-- Damaged roads and rain slowing down supplies

-- Child-Friendly Spaces to focus on needs of youngest survivors

HONG KONG, May 14 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- World Vision is stepping up its Sichuan earthquake appeal, calling for $2 million in order to launch a full-scale relief and rehabilitation program.

"This earthquake has affected thousands of people in Sichuan province. There is no time to lose. World Vision is focusing on saving the lives of survivors," said Victor Kan, the agency's emergency response director.

Relief goods including 800 tents, 30,000 quilts, 464,000 kg of food and 2,000 shelter tarpaulins will be provided to survivors in Qingchuan, a quake affected county where World Vision has a community development program. The goods will be purchased in-country and distributed by World Vision's local staff and relief teams.

In addition, 100 hygiene kits consisting of soap, towels and toothbrushes will be provided to survivors living in temporary shelters.

Three Child-Friendly Spaces will also be set up to offer children a way of returning to their normal routine through structured activities, games and informal education.

If the appeal is met, relief and rehabilitation activities totaling $2 million will reach more than 107,000 survivors. Long-term rehabilitation activities will focus on shelter and school reconstruction.

Lorries loaded with quilts and tents are expected to begin arriving in Qingchuan by Thursday or Friday. World Vision staff report that slippery road conditions and cracked roadways are slowing down the supplies.

According to the latest official reports, the death toll is nearly 15,000, with thousands more feared dead.

World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential
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