In response to the fury of on-going snowstorms in central, eastern and southern China, World Vision is planning to distribute over 40,000 quilts to more than 80,000 people in the provinces of Hunan, Guangxi, Jiangxi and Anhui to help see the cold weather out. Distribution of 15,000 quilts has already started.

World Vision Humanitarian Emergency Assistance staff are carrying out assessments in the hardest hit areas including, Hunan, Guangxi, Jiangxi and Anhui. More than US $290,000 has been committed to the emergency response. Further finding is being sought.

The severe weather, which has lasted for nearly three weeks, has caused havoc in over 17 provinces and regions in China, killing at least 60 people and leading to the collapse of some 220,000 houses. The Chinese state media are reporting that nearly 100 million people are affected by the winter weather. In some areas, transport has come to a complete halt owing to the heavy snow. Food, power and water shortages are also reported.

According to the latest weather forecasts, heavy snow is predicted to continue falling throughout the week. There is an urgent need for warm clothing and shelter for the affected people.

For more information or media inquiries, please contact Priscilla Tin, Senior Communications Officer at +(852) 9324-9315 or Michelle Tam, Communications Officer at +(852) 9613-3111. For enquiries regarding proposals, funding interest, donor interest, etc, please contact Meimei Leung, Senior HEA Officer at +(852) 9327-5674.