Heifer China Assessing Flooding Damage

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (July 12, 2013) - Heifer International’s staff in China are assessing the effects of devastating rainstorms that have flooded part of western China, including some areas where Heifer conducts project work.

The flooding and landslides have affected about 3.73 million people, forcing the evacuation of 212,000 residents, the Ministry of Civil Affairs said. Sichuan Province has been hit the hardest. At least 46 people are reported dead nationwide and dozens more missing since the rains began. The rainstorms have destroyed more than 8,400 houses and damaged another 113,000, according to the ministry.

Heifer works in several of the affected counties, helping to rehabilitate rural communities affected by the magnitude-7.9 earthquake of 2008. No Heifer China staff or their families have been affected, and no harm to Heifer project participants has currently been reported, but assessment is ongoing.

Currently transportation and communication are difficult, but Heifer China staff will continue to evaluate the situation and will share more information as it becomes available.

About Heifer International:
Heifer International’s mission is to end hunger and poverty while caring for the Earth. Since 1944, Heifer International has provided livestock and environmentally sound agricultural training to improve the lives of those who struggle daily for reliable sources of food and income. Heifer is currently working in more than 40 countries, including the United States, to help families and communities become more self-reliant. For more information, visit www.heifer.org, read our blog, follow us on Facebook or Twitter, or call (800) 696-1918.