BEIJING, 16 January 2025 – UNICEF has sent urgently needed emergency relief supplies for children and families affected by the devastating earthquake that struck Dingri County in Xizang Autonomous Region, also known as Tibet, on 7 January 2025.
This follows a request from the local governments of Dingri County and neighbouring Sajia County, through the Rikaze Prefecture.
At least 126 people have been confirmed dead and 188 others injured, following the magnitude-6.8 earthquake, with over 30,000 people relocated to temporary settlements.
In the two counties where UNICEF is providing support, over 10,000 children below the age of seven have been affected. They are in a mountainous region where nighttime temperatures can drop to -17℃, making it difficult for vulnerable children to stay warm in temporary shelters like tents.
“When an earthquake strikes, children and pregnant women are often among the most vulnerable and they have specific needs,” said UNICEF Representative to China Amakobe Sande. “UNICEF is quickly responding to deliver much needed supplies to meet the needs of children and families facing harsh conditions and support the government’s response effort. We will also support children’s longer-term recovery ensuring they receive the psychosocial support they need to recover.”
In response to the earthquake, UNICEF is delivering 40 tonnes of supplies for newborns, young children and pregnant women in the affected areas. This includes thousands of diapers for babies and toddlers, warm winter clothes for children below the age of seven, and quilts and winter jackets for pregnant women.
The first batch of supplies, including over 400 sets of winter clothing for young children and 65 newborn kits, arrived on 15 January in Dingri County.
In addition to providing emergency assistance, UNICEF will work with local partners to provide longer-term psychosocial support to affected children. Together with the China Social Work Academy, under the coordination of the Central Society Work Department, UNICEF will deliver mental health and psychosocial support services to earthquake-affected children and families in Dingri County.
