CAL rushes aid to Chengdu earthquake victims
CHENGDU – More than 50,000 people are feared dead in southwest China’s Sichuan Province alone after Monday’s earthquake, according to the rescue headquarters.
The 7.8-magnitude earthquake that struck Wenchuan County, about 159 km northwest of the provincial capital of Chengdu, has severely affected an area of more than 100,000 square kms.
Aid has been pouring into the striken area from many sources, private and public.
Among the latest donors, China Airlines (CAL) has offered free airlift services for aid materials, using a Boeing 747-400 freighter.
The direct flight to Chengdu in Sichuan province from Taipei is a milestone as the first-ever cross-strait humanitarian charter flight.
The flight will carry 110 tons of relief goods, including blankets, sleeping bags, tents and medical supplies.
“As soon as the disaster news was released, CAL contacted the Red Cross Society of the ROC and the Buddhist Compassion Tzu Chi Foundation,” said Ringo Chao, chairman and CEO of China Airlines.
“China Airlines is a member of international society,” continued Chao. “We are only performing our duty as a responsible corporate citizen.”
In 2004, China Airlines transported more than 90 tons of relief goods, as well as rescue teams and volunteers, on 20 flights to Indonesia’s tsunami-hit region, and in 2005, CAL sponsored rescue teams to Pakistan.
Ian Jarrett
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