Reactions to the 2008 Sichuan earthquake

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The 2008 Sichuan earthquake, magnitude 7.9 M_w, occurred at 14:28:01.42 CST (06:28:01.42 UTC) on 12 May 2008,^[1] with its epicenter in Wenchuan County, Sichuan province of the People's Republic of China. The disaster prompted many offers of monetary donations and other forms of aid from across the globe, which has exceeded a collective total of $456.9 million USD in cash contributions from sources outside mainland China.

Contents 1 Summary 1.1 Organizations 1.2 Companies 2 References

[edit] Summary

Government	Amount Donated (USD)	Aid provided	Statements and Condolences
Algeria	1,000,000[2]	N/A	N/A
Australia	4,500,000[3]	N/A	Prime Minister Kevin Rudd sentiments, spoken in Chinese, were broadcast on CCTV: "I feel deeply saddened to hear that China was struck by a devastating earthquake. On behalf of all Australian people, I express deep sympathy."[4]
Bangladesh	5,000[5]	10 tons of relief materials[5]	Bangladeshi President Iajuddin Ahmed and caretaker government Chief Adviser Fakhruddin Ahmed expressed deep shock at the loss of lives and property and conveyed their deepest and sincere sympathy to the victims.[6]
Belgium	1,026,349[7]	N/A	N/A
Bosnia and Herzegovina	70,000[8]	N/A	N/A
Botswana	150,000[9]	N/A	N/A
Brazil	N/A	The Brazilian government, through its embassy in Beijing, has sent humanitarian aid in the form of food, blankets and tents.[10]	N/A
Cambodia	10,000[11]	N/A	N/A
Canada	1,000,000[12]	The Canadian Medical Assistance Teams sent doctors and paramedics to Chengdu.[13]	“We are greatly saddened by the news that thousands lost their lives and that hundreds of children who were at school at the time are trapped in the debris. —Maxime Bernier” “Our thoughts are with the victims of this terrible tragedy and their families… Canada stands ready to help should China request any assistance in its humanitarian relief efforts" —Minister of International Cooperation Beverley Oda[14] “Canada is deeply concerned about the impact of the earthquake and this support will help ensure that the basic needs of affected communities are met quickly and effectively… In the face of so much devastation, Canada will continue to work closely with trusted partners to help bring relief to those affected and provide support as people rebuild their lives and communities.” —Maxime Bernier[15]
Denmark	750,000[2]	N/A	N/A
Estonia	49,000[16]	N/A	N/A
Finland	1,026,000[17]	The Finnish Red Cross is sending 900 tents, each accommodating 6 people. One third of the tents are equipped with a stove so they can be used around the year and in winter conditions. Rest of the tents are waterproof summer tents. The Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland gave USD 790,000 and the Finnish Red Cross USD 236,000 for the tents. Finnair will transport the tents to China on its own expense and the Chinese Red Cross will take care of the delivery of the aid to Sichuan Province.[17]	On May 13, Mrs. Tarja Halonen, President of the Republic of Finland sent condolence telegraph to H.E. Mr. Hu Jintao, President of the People's Republic of China. The Prime Minister of Finland Matti Vanhanen: "On behalf of Finnish government, I express deep condolence to the victims of earthquakes and to the Chinese People", on May 19, at the Chinese Embassy in Finland.[18]
France	385,500[19]	Tents, sleeping bags, blankets, tarpaulins, cooking kits and other materials[19]	"I would like to let you know that I am deeply moved and would like to assure you of France's support for the Chinese people in this difficult moment." —Nicolas Sarkozy[20]
Germany	770,000[21]	N/A	German Chancellor Angela Merkel has offered her condolences as well as stating that the German government was ready to provide speedy assistance.[22]
Greece	310,000[23]	N/A	"The devastating earthquake that struck the Sichuan province in China, leaving a great number of people dead or injured, has shocked the entire world, causing sentiments of horror for the magnitude of the natural disaster and deep grief for those lost. Greece shares the sorrow of the Chinese people and its mourning. At these difficult time, our thoughts are with all those afflicted by the disaster," —Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis [24]
Hong Kong	38,400,000 (Government)[25][26] 128,000,000 (local residents)[27]	A search and rescue team of 15 firemen, three ambulancemen, a registered nurse, and a Senior Divisional Officer of the Fire Services Department. The 20-member team was equipped with approximately four tones of equipment, including life detectors and masonry cutting machines.[28] The government also approved 63 public fund-raising permits.[29][30]	N/A
India	5,000,000[31]	N/A	"India stands ready to offer any assistance that may be needed at this difficult time." —Prime Minister Manmohan Singh[32] "I join the people of India in offering heartfelt condolences and sympathies to the people of China at this tragic event. We are confident that the people of China will overcome this adversity with fortitude and courage. We are willing to make a contribution to your efforts to mitigate the sufferings of the friendly people of China." —Rashtrapati Bhavan[33]
Indonesia	N/A	Indonesian government sending 8 tons of medicines, 6 tons of food, 17 tons of platoon tents worth a total of Rp4.5 billion. [34]	"We in Indonesia pray for the people and the government of China to get the determination and strength to overcome this disaster" —President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono [35]
Ireland	1,550,000[36]	N/A	N/A
Italy	2,500,000[37]	N/A	N/A
Japan	9,600,000[38]	N/A	"I extend my condolences and hoped those affected in Sichuan could soon get on with their lives and rebuild their homes." —Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda
Kazakhstan	N/A	The emergency ministry of Kazakhstan will send food, tents, warm clothes and items of emergency for amount of KZT433 million ($3.6 million). [39]	N/A
Kyrgyzstan	N/A	120 tons of relief materials[37]	N/A
Laos	500,000[2]	N/A	N/A
Lithuania	90,000[2]	N/A	"In this hour of grief for your country, the people of Lithuania stand in solidarity with the people of China affected by great pain and suffering. The tragedy caused by the earthquake is a serious challenge to the whole of China. I therefore wish you fortitude and strength in eliminating the consequences of this disaster." —President Valdas Adamkus[40]
Macau	15,300,000 (Government) [25] 25,000,000 (local residents)[41]	N/A	N/A
Malaysia	1,500,000[42]	Malaysia had donated 4,625 tents to quake-ravaged regions in southwest China's Sichuan Province, according to the Malaysian embassy to China[43]	N/A
Mauritius	300,000[9]	N/A	N/A
Mongolia	50,000[37]	N/A	N/A
Morocco	1,000,000[44]	N/A	"I wish the injured a speedy recovery and pray that the Almighty bless the souls of the victims, comfort the bereaved, and spare you and your country any further misfortune," —King Mohammed VI[44]
New Zealand	500,000[45]	N/A	N/A
North Korea	100,000[46]	N/A	N/A
Norway	3,900,000[47]	N/A	N/A
Pakistan	50,000[48]	500 blankets, 300 tents, 1000 plastic mats, 3 tons of bottled water and four tons of medicines.[48]	N/A
Philippines	$450,000[49]	The Philippine government sent medical team to Sichuan, China[50]	N/A
Poland	100,000[51]	N/A	N/A
Portugal	150,000[52]	The government of Portugal provided relief materials to China, including tents, blankets, kitchenware, sanitary ware and food.[52]	N/A
Romania	860,000[53]	N/A	N/A
Russia	N/A	A transport plane carrying 30 tonnes of relief material from Russia arrived in Sichuan's provincial capital Chengdu on 14 May 2008, becoming the first batch of international aid to reach China. Another 100 tonnes of goods will arrive on three flights in the coming days. In addition, a 49-member rescue team will be sent to assist the rescue effort.[54][55]	N/A
Samoa	100,000[37]	N/A	N/A
Saudi Arabia	60,000,000[51]	N/A	N/A
Senegal	500,000[52]	N/A	N/A
Serbia	315,000[56]	Help consists of 155 tents provided by the Ministry of Defense for 2,500 people.[57][58]	"The citizens of Serbia are deeply moved with the loss of a large number of lives. Please receive my deepest condolences and tell the families of the deceased and to the people of China that we sympathize with them at this difficult time." —President Boris Tadić[59]
Singapore	200,000 (government) over 8,500,000 (private/local residents)[60][61][62][63]	The Singapore Civil Defence Force sent a 55-member Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team[64]; government sends US$200,000 worth of medicines, drinking water, water purifying tablets, tents, groundsheets, blankets, sleeping bags and food[65]; the Singapore Armed Forces sends another 10 tonnes of items such as blankets, ground sheets, tents and medical supplies, worth US$80,000.[66]; main TV station Mediacorp staged a charity show, 让爱川流不息 on 25 May 2008, raising over US$7.3 million.	"I was deeply saddened to learn of the great loss of lives and extensive damage caused by the sudden and deadly earthquake in Sichuan province. On behalf of the Government of Singapore, I would like to extend our sympathies to the people of China who are affected by the earthquake in Sichuan, and our condolences to the families of the victims. The Chinese Government has mounted swift relief and rescue efforts. I am confident that under your able leadership, China will be able to tackle the challenges ahead and overcome this disaster. Singapore stands ready to help in any way possible, including through our Disaster Assistance Rescue Teams (DART), if you think they will be useful to your recovery work. We sincerely hope that the affected regions will return to normalcy in the shortest possible time. —Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong[67]
Slovakia	1,500,000[68]	23 tons of rescue material (tents, blankets, sleeping bags, medical stretchers, and power-generators)	N/A
Slovenia	154,000[69]	N/A	N/A
South Africa	200,000[70]	N/A	N/A
South Korea	5,000,000[71][72]	N/A	"I want to deliver my deep condolences to the Chinese people suffering from an unprecedented earthquake disaster. We wish for swift rescue and recovery operations in China," —President Lee Myung-bak[73]
Spain	1,500,000[74]	N/A	N/A
Switzerland	380,000[2]	N/A	N/A
Republic of China (Taiwan)	65,000,000[75]	150 tons of supplies[76]	N/A
Tajikistan	100,000[9]	N/A	N/A
Thailand	920,131[77]	N/A	N/A
Tonga	50,000[9]	N/A	N/A
Turkey	2,000,000[37]	N/A	N/A
Turkmenistan	N/A	40 tons of relief materials[9]	N/A
Ukraine	1,007,000[78]	N/A	N/A
Venezuela	1,000,000[5]	N/A	N/A
United Kingdom	2,000,000[79]	N/A	"I'm shocked and saddened at the loss of life and devastation as a result of Monday's earthquake in Sichuan Province. I offer condolences and my profound sympathy to the Chinese people." —Queen Elizabeth[80]
United States	500,000[81]	about $850,000 in supplies such as tents, food, blankets...etc.[82]	"The thoughts and prayers of the American people are with the Chinese people, especially those directly affected. The United States stands ready to help in any way possible." —President George W. Bush[83]
Vietnam	220,000[84]	N/A	N/A

[edit] Organizations

• United Nations: Spokesman for the UN Secretary General Michele Montas announced that the UN would give USD 7 million in aid to China.^[85]
• International Olympic Committee: "The Olympic Movement is at your side, especially during these difficult moments. Our thoughts are with you." —Jacques Rogge.^[86] The International Olympic Committee has sent US$1 million in aid.^[87]
• Holy See: "I ask you to join me in fervid prayer for all those who have lost their lives," he said at his weekly general audience in St Peter's Square. [...] I am spiritually close to the people tried by such a devastating calamity ... may God grant strength to all those involved in the immediate needs of rescue work" —Pope Benedict XVI^[88]
• Tibet Government in Exile: "I extend deep sympathy and heartfelt condolences to those families who have been directly affected by the strong earthquake on 12 May 2008 and offer my prayers for those who have lost their lives and those injured in the quake." —The 14th Dalai Lama^[89]
• International Red Cross and Red Crescent: The International Red Cross has released about US$235,000 in emergency funds.^[90]
  • American Red Cross: The American Red Cross has donated US$10,000,000.^[91]
  • British Red Cross: The British Red Cross has released US$49,000 from its Disaster Fund and also launched an emergency appeal on 14 May 2008 to support the Red Cross Movement's response.^[92]
  • The Indonesian Red Cross has donated US$10,000, and expressed their condolences to the victims.^[93]
  • Turkish Red Crescent sent its rescue team to the area with a budget of US$500,000 as an initial response to the quake. Officials have also announced that the aid might be expanded according to the demands by the Red Cross Society of China.^[94]
• Direct Relief International: Direct Relief is sending an airlift of specifically requested medical aid to the Sichuan region and evaluating long-term aid to prosthetic and orthotic clinics.^[95]
• Oxfam: Oxfam has contributed US$1.55 million for emergency relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction.^[96]
• Giving Children Hope: Giving Children Hope is sending a container of relief to China.^[97]
• World Vision: World Vision is stepping up its Sichuan earthquake appeal, calling for US$2 million in order to launch a full-scale relief and rehabilitation programme. Immediate relief goods, including 800 tents, 30,000 quilts, 464,000 kg of food and 2,000 shelter tarpaulins, are being provided to survivors in Qingchuan, a quake-affected county where World Vision has a community development programme. The goods are being purchased in-country and distributed by World Vision’s local staff and relief teams.^[98]
• Mercy Malaysia donated 5,000 tarpaulins worth $35,000 for the victims of the earthquake in Sichuan, China.^[99]

[edit] Companies

Taiwanese Companies^[100]

• Formosa Plastics Group from Taiwan has offered $14.3 million.^[100]
• Hon Hai (Foxconn Technology Group): a top electronics maker from Taiwan plans to donate $8.6 million.^[100]

British Companies^[101]

• Astrazeneca donated $143,000 and $71,000 worth of pharmaceuticals.^[101]
• BHP Billiton donated $500,000^[101]
• BP donated $200,000^[101]
• B&Q donated $143,000 and $179,000 in building supplies, quilts and towels^[101]
• Diageo donated $1.7 million^[101]
• Fairey Industrial Ceramics donated 500 countertop filters and 500 gravity filters to assist with the provision of clean water^[101]
• GSK donated $1.4 million^[101]
• HSBC donated $1.4 million to the Red Cross Society of China via the Hong Kong Red Cross. From now until 31 May 2008, any donations to a special earthquake account will be matched by HSBC.^[102][101]
• JCB donated a fleet of 6 backhoe loaders to help with relief efforts^{[103][104][101]}
• Lehman Brown donated $14,000^[101]
• Marks & Spencer donated $143,000 through staff and company donations^[105][101]
• Palintest donated $71,000 worth of water quality testing and reagents^[101]
• Prudential (Taiwan) donated $98,000^[101]
• Standard Chartered (Hong Kong) donated $64,000^[101]
• PwC donated $503,000^[101]
• Reed Expo donated $143,000^[101]
• Tesco donated $287,000 and will match staff donations totaling $71,000^[101]
• Unilever donated $1.4 million^[106][101]

US Companies

• Dell Inc.: Dell Incorporated and its employees have pledged up to $301,000 in donations. Employees' donations are matched by Dell through the company's Direct Giving Program.^[107][108]
• Google.org: Google's public service arm Google.org will donate $1.5 million. Google will also match Googler's donations to other non-profits with Google's gift matching program. Googler's across the world have also organized various forms of aid such as blood drives, cash drives, targeted search, forum, and earthquake situation map.^[109]
• HP: Hewlett-Packard Company Foundation, HP and employees have pledged $2.75 million to relief efforts in China.^[110][111]
• Merrill Lynch: Merrill Lynch pledges $1 Million to relief efforts in China. Additionally, it will match employee contribution up to $3,000 to the China Youth Development Foundation and the Red Cross International Response Fund.^[112]

Malaysian Companies

• Star Publications (Malaysia) Berhad and Magnum Corporation presented $31,000 each to Chinese Ambassador to Malaysia Cheng Yong Hua on May 15, 2008.^[113]
• Malaysia's Hai-O Group, which sells a wide range of Chinese herbal medicines, medicated wines and health care products, Saturday held a meeting to encourage its staff to donate more for the quake victims. The group has already donated $62,000 to Sichuan on May 13. ^[114]
• Malaysia's Penang Chinese Chamber of Commerce (PCCC) has donated $156,000 for the earthquake victims in Sichuan province, China through the Chinese embassy in Kuala Lumpur.^[115]
• Berjaya Group Berhad donated $72,000 to the Sanhe City Charity Association, which was formed to provide financial aid to the victims of the earthquake.^[116]
• Easy Pha-Max Marketing Sdn Bhd donated $31,000 to the Sichuan victims, channelling the money to through the Chinese Embassy.^[117]
• Steven Yeam Networks(SYN) through the company's shareholders donated $56,000 to The Star's Sichuan Quake Fund on May 25, 2008.^[118]
• Bonia Group has started the ball rolling by donating $46,000 with an additional $3000 collected from its staff.^[119]

[edit] References