In response to today's 7.9-magnitude earthquake in China, Direct Relief International has extended offers of support to two partner facilities in the western region of the country and reached out to colleague organizations working in the area to coordinate efforts.

The two partner facilities - Rema Clinic and Yushu Hospital - have previously received packages of surgical equipment specifically tailored to address the needs of mothers and children.

Reports estimate that nearly 10,000 people died in the earthquake, and search and rescue workers are working to save those who may still be trapped underneath collapsed structures.

Direct Relief has extensive experience responding to communities hit by earthquakes, including most recently in Peru after the August 2007 earthquake and Pakistan after the October 2005 earthquake.

Updates on any Direct Relief response to the earthquake in China will be available on the group's Web site at www.DirectRelief.org.