Support from Finland for the earthquake region of China and reconstruction of Myanmar

Press release 254/2008
16 July, 2008

The Ministry for Foreign Affairs has granted the Finnish Evangelical Lutheran Mission 250,000 euros for reconstruction of the earthquake region in China, and 100,000 euros to Fida International for assistance to Myanmar in the aftermath of Cyclone Nargis.

The need for humanitarian aid in China stemming from the earthquake that took place in May remains great. The infrastructure in Wenchuan and Beichuan counties was almost totally destroyed. The earthquake killed nearly 90,000 people, some 400,000 were injured and five million people lost their homes.

In addition to use for immediate disaster relief, the support granted to the Finnish Evangelical Lutheran Mission will be used for reconstruction of housing, schools, hospitals and water systems. The assistance will focus on rural areas, which have received less attention while aid has concentrated mainly on cities.

Cyclone Nargis caused widespread destruction in Myanmar in May. According to UN estimates, the destruction affected the lives of 2.4 million people in the delta region. Support is still needed to help people and repair the damage.

The grant awarded to Fida International will provide assistance to 21 villages in the delta region. The intention is to rebuild houses for families, to provide them with a starter packet for beginning their lives anew, to give schoolchildren a packet of basic school needs and to support families in finding a new livelihood. In its reconstruction efforts, Fida International utilises its existing cooperation networks.

Additional information: Ulla Hiitiö, Unit for Humanitarian Assistance, Ministry for Foreign Affairs, tel. +358 9 1605 5193