Shigatse Earthquake – New Home and “Home at Heart” Under Construction

After the earthquake in Dingri County, Shigatse, the Amity Foundation immediately launched an earthquake relief response. Currently, the second batch of Amity rescue team members has arrived in the disaster area.

As the needs of the disaster area shifted and changed, the focus of the Amity Foundation’s frontline work has also shifted to addressing the needs of special groups and transitional resettlement. Based on frontline research, the Amity Foundation will soon provide more precise and appropriate personalized assistance to pregnant women, infants, and other vulnerable groups by using digital tools. They will also conduct needs assessments in areas such as livelihood recovery, housing reconstruction, and resilient communities to help the disaster area to recover and resume normal life.

Rescue Diary

January 13, 2025, 14:00 Recorded by: Chen Shuaishuai

My colleague Zhang Chao and I, as new members of the Amity rescue team, set off from Lhasa to Dingri County.

The sky was blue, and the sun was scorching. I was dazzled by the burning sun dazzling. As the altitude continued to rise, my heart began to race uncontrollably, and breathing became slightly difficult. Fortunately, my altitude sickness was mild, and with proper adjustment, it was not a big problem.

We stopped at a gas station to refuel. At that moment, I saw a sign at the gas station that read, “Free milk for earthquake relief workers.” I asked the cashier, “I’m a rescue worker. Can I have some milk?” Without hesitation, she replied, “Yes!” I waved my hand quickly. She smiled and said, “It’s okay, just take it.” I felt warm inside but still waved my hand and said, “I was joking, leave it for other rescue teams in need!”

After refuelling, we continued our journey. Brother Dong, who has been engaged in public welfare volunteer service in Tibet for nearly 20 years, accompanied us to Dingri country. On the way, he mentioned that on the day of the earthquake, his rescue team of 18 people had already rushed to Dingri County to carry out work. That night, they huddled in their cars, feeling the aftershocks and the shaking of the vehicles. The shaking made them quite nervous, but no one backed down. Brother Dong said, “The aftershocks continued, and we got somewhat used to it. But no one retreated with one more person, we get one more helping hand. We might save one more person.”

It is worth mentioning that the Amity Foundation also provided some rescue teams with tents, food, heating supplies, and portable oxygen machines, which have been well-received. The portable oxygen machines have been particularly helpful in alleviating altitude sickness in the high-altitude rescue environment, allowing rescue workers to safely engage in intense rescue work.

After a tense and urgent journey, we finally crossed the 5200-meter pass. At this moment, Dingri County was in sight, and we were about to start our intense work…

Written on the way from Shigatse to Dingri County Average altitude: 4300 meters (To be continued)

Latest Developments

· On January 12, after a difficult long journey, the first batch of prefabricated houses arrived in Changsuoxiang, Dingri County, and were gradually set up by professional technicians and volunteers to provide safe and warm shelters for the affected residents.

· From January 10 to 12, led by the local government and supported by the Amity Foundation and Shuyu Public Welfare, the “Qingqing Children’s Playground” project was launched. The project plans to set up fully functional “Qingqing Children’s Playgrounds” in three resettlement points: Sengga Village in Changsuoxiang, Jiong Village in Cuoguo Township, and Cuo’ang Village in Quluo Township. The playgrounds began to be set up on January 12 and will provide a safe and warm “Home at Heart” for local children once completed.

· On January 13, the “Qingqing Children’s Playground” in Changsuoxiang, Dingri County, was under construction (photo by Chen Shuaishuai).

· The “Qingqing Children’s Playground” is a friendly space for children in the resettlement area, aiming to gather professional volunteer forces to provide learning support, health and hygiene, recreational activities, psychological companionship, and disaster prevention and mitigation knowledge to the affected children and their families. This aims to minimize the psychological trauma caused by the disaster to young people, enhance the resilience of affected families, and restore their hope for life and confidence in rebuilding their homes.

· In addition, in a kindergarten in Cuowa Village, Quluo Township, Dingri County, Amity’s local partners provided various toys, stationery, and companionship services to nearly 100 children.

· On January 11, 4050 kilograms of yak meat purchased were all delivered to Sengga Village, Zuocuo Village, and Tonglai Village in Changsuoxiang, Dingri County, providing nutritional supplements suitable for the dietary habits of the affected villagers.