In the aftermath of the devastating Wenchuan earthquake in Sichuan Province, the World Bank has supported China with an initial $1.5 million grant through the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery(GFDRR). This grant has helped to provide emergency tents and will provide technical assistance for the reconstruction effort. The Bank also mobilized a team of international experts, many with experience in other recent earthquakes such as in Turkey and Pakistan. These international experts met with Chinese counterparts in the central and local government who are charged with planning the reconstruction efforts. The World Bank has recently also provided a Global Environment Facility(GEF) grant of US$1 million to support assessment of chemical contamination in the earthquake.
Earthquake Statistics
(As of July 13, 2008)
- Casualties: 69,197
- Missing: 18,289
