Massive Earthquake Devastates Southwest China
On Monday, May 12, China was rocked by one of the most powerful earthquakes in its recent history. Registering 7.9 on the Richter scale, the quake toppled thousands of schools, apartments and other buildings, leaving tens of thousands buried underneath the rubble.
The Chinese government and numerous relief agencies are working feverishly in their search and rescue efforts, focused in and around the earthquake’s epicenter in Chengdu, located in the China’s southwest province of Sichuan.
To date, more than 68,000 deaths have been confirmed, and officials estimate the death toll may reach as high as 80,000 in the coming days.
Adding to the chaos are the dozens of powerful aftershocks that have followed since May 12, causing landslides and even further devastation, prompting Chinese officials to order many to leave their homes and villages for their own safety. The largest of these aftershocks, which hit China's Sichuan Province on May 25, registered 6.0 on the Richter scale. The tremor killed 2 people, injured more than 480 others, and leveled 71,000 homes.
In the wake of this disaster, infectious diseases have become a real threat and people are in desperate need of food, clean water and medical attention. Housing Minister Jiang Weixin recently said the water supply situation is "extremely serious" in Sichuan, with water not flowing at all in 20 cities and counties.
Our Response to This Crisis
Through the support of our friends and partners, Joyce Meyer Ministries has teamed up with Target Ministries in China to begin bringing immediate relief to earthquake victims in the Sichuan province.
Immediately, teams were sent out to assess the situation and begin performing search and rescue. A team of disaster relief specialists, including doctors and other trained professionals who have had years of experience dealing with disasters worldwide is also being dispatched.
This team’s objective will be twofold: First, they will train many other volunteers who are a part of house churches in the area. Second, this team will lead the volunteers and enter the disaster area themselves, bringing critical relief.
Through our partnership with Target Ministries, together we are also playing a vital role in much needed support to organize and dispatch other relief groups, bringing the earthquake victims the vital care and necessities they desperately need.
What You Can Do to Help
First and foremost, we ask that you pray for this nation in need. Please pray for all of the families who have been affected by the recent earthquake and who are in desperate need of physical and spiritual assistance. We also ask you to pray for wisdom, protection, and strength—not only for the victims of this disaster, but also for the thousands of relief workers who are coming to their rescue.
Second, it is your incredible support that allows us to take part in relief efforts like these. Donate now to help support our disaster relief efforts and other vital worldwide outreaches.
Read more about our outreaches in China.