Through a partnership to increase private sector involvement in disaster preparedness in China, The Asia Foundation, the Ministry of Civil Affairs (MOCA — the government agency responsible for disaster relief), and AmCham have been working together for over a year. As well, AmCham has a close relationship with the International Federation of the Red Cross which is mounting an international multi-million dollar campaign in support of the Chinese Red Cross efforts in Sichuan.  Through these channels AmCham has obtained the following information and guidance:

The localities most severely affected by the earthquake are in the area around Wenchuan, Sichuan province. Shannxi, Gansu, Yunnan and Chongqing are also affected.  Wenchuan and Beichuan are still inaccessible by road and telecommunications remain limited, so the full extent of damages there has yet to be assessed.  Many local schools are badly affected and hundreds of students are trapped under the rubble. Due to torrential rain, planes and helicopters are also unable to land in the area.

Cash donations represent the best way to get help where it is needed most as relief supplies must be procured locally and cannot be shipped in due to transportation disruptions.

We have identified the three most viable avenues for making cash donations:

Relief supplies such as blankets, warm jackets, and tents are needed and can be best purchased by these organizations locally.  If members would like to contribute such items in lieu of cash donations, please contact MOCA. They will store the items until transportation lines have been restored.

We have posted contact details for the various charity and government organizations that are accepting donations. You can find the list of organizations here. Please note that the account numbers for local Departments of Civil Affairs are specifically for relief contributions.

Michael Barbalas
President, AmCham-China