he latest quake to hit Asia has sent shock waves through China, particularly in the province of Sichuan, where the quake’s epicenter was located. Official government figures state that to date, 16,665 have died and 66,286 remain injured. This makes the Sichuan earthquake the deadliest – and strongest – to hit China since 1976. Ranking as a 7.8 on the Richter Scale (out of a possible 10) the quake was strongest in China, but tremors were felt as far away as Hong Jong, India and Nepal. To illustrate just how horrific the quake has been, consider that the city of Beichuan lost over 80 percent of its buildings to the quake, and the small town of Yingxiu –with a population of 9,000 – has only 2,300 survivors remaining.

In addition to the large death toll – which is currently over five times that of the September 11 terrorist attacks – there has also been considerable financial damage to both buildings and infrastructure throughout China. Buildings have been split in two, as nature effortlessly ravaged the town of Chengdu. The result: over USD $20-billion in damage in Chengdu alone. Unfortunately, many of the city’s residents were uninsured, meaning lives aren’t the only thing that has been lost.

In the early days of the aftermath, questions are popping up at a limitless rate and survivors are struggling to put the pieces together as best they can. Sadly, there’s no time to stop and think, as answers must be sought. One of the major concerns is that of international aid. Fortunately, countries across the globe have pledged their support – both emotionally and financially – to China, in their time of utter duress. The Red Cross has released $235,000 from its emergency funds, and Oxfam has donated $1.5-million, to be put towards reconstruction. The U.S. has offered $500,000 as an “initial contribution”, while Macau has proffered up $14.3-million and Hong Kong has pledged approximately $38-million in relief. The list of benefactors is lengthy, but it ranges from France and Germany to Russia and South Korea.