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 On Wednesday 14 April 2010 a 6.9 magnitude earthquake struck the Kyigudo area of eastern Tibet (Chinese: Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Qinghai Province).
Reports from Chinese state media confirm at least 2,200 dead with over 12,000 injured and 100,000 left homeless. The quake destroyed up to 85 percent of the mud and wood houses, monasteries, hospitals, schools along with power and water infrastructure in the region. Full coverage
As well as concern for the immediate physical and mental well-being of those effected by the earthquake, concerns are being raised by Tibetans about the long term ramifications:
“For us Tibetans, the Yushu earthquake represents more than just numbers and deaths. It represents the devastation of one of the last towns in Tibet that the Chinese have yet to infiltrate and change. Much of the world, including the Chinese themselves, reacted with surprise when they heard that the population is mostly Tibetan (Yushu is 97% Tibetan). Yushu is just too remote and isolated for most Chinese to want to go there but now my fear is that Beijing’s promises of repair and restoration will take this beautiful Tibetan land away from the Tibetans.”
The above quote is an extract from the blog ‘Kyegu: Dhondup Lungpa’ by Tencho Gyatso. Click to read full blog
 View satellite images before and after the earthquake
Latest reports confirm at least 2,039 dead with over 12,000 injured. However, unconfirmed sources place these numbers higher. Monks who conducted a mass cremation at one of the monasteries counted over 2,400 bodies. Disturbing reports have emerged that the real death toll may be upwards of 10,000.
Emergency Appeal Launched
Global Development Group (GDG), in association with the Tibetan Information Office and Dalai Lama in Australia Ltd, has established an emergency relief project in response to the devastating earthquake. You can make a tax-deductible donation online at www.globaldevelopment.org.au (Project number J629).
Victims seek Dalai Lama visit
Tibetans in Kyigudo have asked that the Dalai Lama be permitted to visit the area. Over 1,100 Tibet supporters have added their name to a letter to Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, asking him to do all he can to help the Dalai Lama to visit his devastated people, including raising this matter personally with China’s leaders.
Media Reports
REPORT: Tibetan Writer Zhogs Dung Held For Organising Yushu Quake Donations
REPORT: phayul.com - Questions Over Quake Toll in Tibet
REPORT: news.com.au - Google Earth shows China quake devastation
REPORT: guardian.co.uj - Tibetan monks ordered out of China’s quake zone
REPORT: smh.com.au - Rescues as China quake toll passes 2,000
REPORT: nytimes.com - Monks Bolster China’s Quake Relief Effort
REPORT: theage.com.au - 1700 dead in Tibetan earthquake
REPORT: nytmes.com - After Quake, Tibetans Distrust China’s Help
REPORT: guardian.co.uk - Earthquake survivors in Tibet mourn loss of treasured heritage
REPORT: smh.com.au - China prepares to cremate quake dead
REPORT: abc.net.au - Rescuers race to save trapped quake victims
REPORT: phayul.com - Quake sees Tibetan Buddhist monks assert roles
VIDEO: smh.com.au - China quake death toll around 300: state media
Photo Gallery 1
Images From Kyigudo Earthquake
Photo Gallery 2
Photos Via Kyegu Buddhist Institute. GRAPHIC IMAGE WARNING: Some images may be disturbing including scenes of death and cremation.
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