A major earthquake, measuring 6.9 on the Richter scale, struck Yushu (Kyegundo) county in Qinghai province eastern Tibet just before 8am local time on 14 April 2010. The death toll currently stands at over 2,000, however local Tibetans fear the final figure could be as high as 10,000 and the Chinese government is playing the figures down. With local housing being predominately mud built, most have been flattened, leaving over 100,000 homeless.

Tibet Relief Fund's Chief Executive, Philippa Carrick, said, "In response to the huge concern shown and wish to help we launched an emergency appeal; perhaps something positive can come out of this tragedy. We will be co-ordinating with other charities who have strong connection and experience of working in the area that has been affected and monies raised will be used to help local people rebuild a sustainable future in the aftermath of this disaster.

"Natural calamities are always heartbreaking; that this has happened in such a poor and remote area of Tibet, where people were already struggling against poverty and ill-health and there is little in the way of hope or help, is even more distressing. With the death toll rising, thousands of people are facing loss and further real hardship and suffering, with families left without much shelter in temperatures that drop to below freezing overnight."

For up-to-date information please visit:
http://www.tibetsociety.com/content/view/113

For full text of Tibet Relief Fund's Press release:
http://www.tibetrelieffund.co.uk/home/140410-press-release-yushu-earthquake-/