China Calls on Religious Groups for Reconstruction Aid

Amity Foundation workers deliver aid to the quake-stricken Qinghai province on May 11, 2010. (Photo: Amity Foundation)

The Chinese government has appealed to religious groups for help in reconstructing the quake-devastated Qinghai province, which was hit with a massive 7.1 tremor last month.

China's State Administration for Religious Affairs (SARA) posted the appeal on their website asking religious leaders and believers to donate to help the reconstruction effort, according to Xinhua.

According to the letter, over $12 million in international aid has been collected by the country since the April 14 quake, which killed over 2,000 people and left 120,000 homeless.

Meanwhile, aid agencies are continuing their battle against the weather in their effort to rebuild homes for the quake victims.

According to Wyndham James, country director for Save the Children in China, freezing temperatures along with the remoteness of the affected area have made relief efforts more difficult than expected.

"It is in one of the remotest parts of China," James told Reuters' AlertNet. "And it's at 4,000 metres which means that even at this time of year, there is frequent snow, it's very cold at night and there are a lot of sand storms. It's a difficult place to work physically and to get things in logistically."

Other officials have expressed concern over whether the homes can be rebuilt before the winter starts in October. If not, construction could be delayed until the following Spring.

Copyright © 2013 Ecumenical News