UNICEF mobilizing relief supplies to help landslide victims in China

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) is mobilizing emergency relief supplies in north-western China to help authorities respond to the devastating series of landslides that have killed more than 700 people.

At least 1,000 others are missing and some 45,000 people have been evacuated from Gansu province as a result of the landslides, which followed floods and heavy rains. The landslides are the deadliest to strike China in six decades and rescue efforts have been hampered by the rains and mudflows blocking major roads in the mountainous area.

UNICEF officials, who have been in close contact with Chinese Government counterparts in Gansu’s Zhouqu county, one of the hardest hit districts, reported yesterday that they are focusing on mobilizing supplies for children and women.

Authorities need ambulances and emergency medical equipment for the safe delivery of babies and for neo-natal cases are among the most urgent needs, according to UNICEF.

The agency is also planning to assist Chinese officials in the emergency vaccination of 10,000 young children for hepatitis A and for measles, mumps and rubella.

Another concern is the damage to schools and kindergartens just weeks before the new school semester is due to begin.