(April 15, 2010)

On April 14th, a 7.1-magnitude earthquake rocked Yushu County in the Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Yushu, Qinghai Province of China, causing huge losses of life and property.

President Hu Jintao and Premier Wen Jiabao promptly issued instructions on an all-out efforts for disaster relief, with priority on rescuing the people from the rubble, strengthening earthquake monitoring, assisting people with their lives and maintaining stability in the earthquake-hit areas. The State Council of China activated a national emergency response mechanism and set up quake-relief headquarters. To organise the rescue efforts more effectively, President Hu Jintao postponed his visit to Venezuela and Chile and returned to China. Premier Wen Jiabao also put off a scheduled visit to Brunei, Indonesia and Myanmar, having arrived in the disaster-hit area to inspect and supervise disaster relief and visit affected local people. The Chinese government in the meantime has been mobilising resources and support from all possible quarters. Rescuers and supplies are arriving and disaster relief is being carried out in an orderly and effective way.

The Chinese government wishes to thank the international community for its sympathy and condolences for the Yushu earthquake. We believe that with the efforts of the Chinese people and international support, people in affected areas will overcome the disaster and rebuild their homes.