China earthquake

On May 12, 2008, an earthquake measuring 7.9 on the Richter scale struck Wenchuan County in China’s densely populated Sichuan Province, killing more than 60,000 people and injuring more than 300,000. Other affected areas included Beichuan County, Deyang city, Mianyang city and Dujiangyan city, where an estimated 900 students lost lives under a collapsed school. According to the government of China, the earthquake affected more than 46 million people, causing massive displacements in the worst earthquake to hit China in 32 years.

Approximately 5.36 million buildings were destroyed and more than 21 million were damaged in the earthquake.

Habitat’s response
In the first phase of reconstruction in the southwestern province of Sichuan, Habitat for Humanity China aims to rebuild at least 728 houses. Additionally, Habitat will build nursery schools, health clinics, activity centers, libraries and outdoor exercise areas in Pengzhou city. Habitat is rebuilding the lives and homes of 253 families in Taizi village, Pengzhou city, which was close to the epicenter of the earthquake.

The two-story wooden frame houses currently being built in Taizi village are designed to be earthquake-resilient according to government guidelines. Families have a choice of building walls with red bricks, stone, compressed earth blocks, fiber board or a combination of these materials. Some families have opted to use bricks that they have salvaged from the rubble of their collapsed houses. The doors and window panes also feature distinctive ethnic motifs.

More families are expected to be served in later phases.

How you can help
You can help China’s displaced families by making an online donation toward building new houses for the affected families. Your gift to Habitat will support our efforts to make a difference. Donate to Habitat to rebuild China.