15 May 2008

Oxfam aid workers are helping earthquake survivors in four remote rural areas in the Chinese provinces of Sichuan and Gansu.

The team in Sichuan reports a severe shortage of drinking water in Chengdu, the capital city.

John Sayer, of Oxfam Hong Kong said, "Oxfam is targeting remote areas that are not being covered by the government or other relief efforts. This is Oxfam's normal practice in an emergency. We are communicating closely with government units in Sichuan and Gansu to make sure we do not duplicate their efforts, and to use our resources effectively."

Oxfam is working closely with the Chinese authorities and conducting assessments and securing emergency supplies, often from neighbouring provinces.

So far the agency has committed £796,000 (US$1.5million) for the massive relief and rehabilitation effort.

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For media enquiries, please contact:

Keith Wong (Communications Officer)
Tel: 852 3120 5281 / 9426 2764
Email: keithw@oxfam.org.hk

Lum Kwok-choi (Communications Manager)
Tel: 852 3120 5285 / 9098 5887
Email: kwokchoi@oxfam.org.hk