Vigil for Yushu earthqake tonight

On April 14, 2010 at 7:49 a.m. local time, a 7.1-magnitude earthquake hit Yushu, Qinghai, China. Although it was difficult to get reliable information in the immediate hours after the earthquake, it is now clear that Yushu has become a place of devastation: 2,039 dead, more than 12,000 injured, 175 missing and 100,000 homeless. Ninety percent of the homes in the county seat, Jyeku, have collapsed.

Many still don’t have access to basic needs such as water, food, shelter, clothing, medicine, etc. The majority of Yushu’s residents are sleeping on the street without any protection, living on limited instant noodles and drinking water from contaminated sources. 12,135 people are injured, but only about 3,000 reportedly have been transported to hospitals to get medical care.

There are many ways that students, faculty and staff can help. You can make a donation through cash, check, FLEX and food points. You can spread the word to those who might be able to help by joining our Facebook cause “Duke Students Support Yushu Earthquake Relief.” Or, you can simply pray for them. Each action will make a significant impact for the earthquake victims.

Tibetan and Chinese students are hoping to reach out to the greater Duke community, and request each of you act in solidarity with the people of Yushu. In the next few days, we will be holding a series of events. You can find us daily at a table on the Plaza, as we get out the word about what is going on in Yushu and attempt to raise funds. We were there last weekend, and thank the many alumni, parents and students who stopped by to ask questions and donate. Tonight we will hold a memorial event in front of the Chapel from 6 to 7 p.m.  We hope you can join us, and help raise awareness on campus about this tragic and devastating earthquake and donate to the relief effort.

Trinity ’12