China: Yunnan Earthquake

On 3 February 1996 an earthquake measuring 7.0 on the Richter Scale struck north-western Yunnan Province in China. Given the scope of the disaster and the strong desire of National Societies to assist the Red Cross Society of China, three planeloads of emergency relief supplies were sent to Kunming. Working on behalf of the Federation, the British Red Cross organised one of these flights, while the others were handled by the Logistics Department at the Secretariat. Blankets, plastic sheeting, jerry cans, and family tents were airlifted to Kunming airport in Yunnan Province. The goods were then transported by the Yunnan Provincial Branch (YPB) of the Red Cross Society of China (RCSC). Additional funds could be used to fulfil other needs related to the disaster. This document outlines the main elements and results of the operation.