The Red Cross Society of China was able to distribute quilts, jackets and tents to those made homeless by the Chinese earthquake. The AP reported that the Red Cross' branches in Hong Kong, Macau and neighboring Sichuan province have sent relief supplies as well.
According to independent website Earth-Quake Report, Yunnan's seismological bureau said the recent Chinese earthquake is the strongest to hit the province in 18 years. Yunnan is reportedly one of the most earthquake-prone provinces in China as the region sits where in an area where Eurasian and Indian plates meet.
In 1970, a magnitude 7.7 Chinese earthquake killed over 15,000 people in Yunnan. According to the AP, another earthquake, this time of the magnitude-7.1, occurred in the province in 1974 and killed not less than 1,400 people.
The last series of quakes to happen in the Yunnan region took place in September 2012. It reportedly killed over 81 people and injured 821.
United Nations secretary general Ban Ki-moon said that the UN is ready to 'lend its assistance to efforts to respond to humanitarian needs' and 'to mobilise any international support needed.' Ki-moon also offered 'his condolences to the Chinese government and the families of those killed'.
Chinese earthquake Sunday had the White House also offering its condolences. National Security Council deputy spokeswoman Bernadette Meehan said, 'Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of those that lost their lives. As with the UN, she added, 'The United States stands ready to assist.'
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