Mercy Corps' Seattle-Based Aid Worker in China Says Aftershock

Mercy Corps' Joy Portella speaks to an earthquake survivor in in Mianyang, China. Photo: Raul Vasquez for Mercy Corps

Portland, OR - A Mercy Corps aid worker in Sichuan Province, Joy Portella, said today's 5.5 aftershock renewed survivors fears of another major disaster. She said the aftershock triggered landslides, disrupted communications, and hampered travel to affected areas.

Portella also reported concern over growing psycho-social needs from the fear of another disaster and the immense number of people grieving lost loved ones. This has prompted Mercy Corps and local partner groups to focus attention on next-stage recovery programs - especially for youth that could include education and youth sports. Through its Comfort for Kids methodology, Mercy Corps has worked with post-trauma children around the world in trying to help them regain some sense of normalcy. Staff are exploring ways to help rural areas most affected by the earthquake including setting up temporary tent-based schools and rebuilding orphanages.

Emergency response leaders in Mercy Corps' international headquarters in Portland announced plans to send more aid workers to China. Three Portland staff are preparing to leave early next week and a member of the agency's Global Emergency Operations team, GEO, will also head out.

Mercy Corps has established an office in Chongqing near the quake's epicenter.

Updates from aid workers will be posted on Mercy Corps web site www.mercycorps.org.

Mercy Corps is currently accepting donations for humanitarian assistance to earthquake victims. Distribution of donations will be monitored by Mercy Corps and reputable local partner organizations.

HOW TO HELP:
Mercy Corps
China Earthquake Fund
Dept NR
PO Box 2669
Portland, OR 97208
www.mercycorps.org
1-800-852-2100