The Chinese Government has declared that the destruction caused by the earthquake is the most severe natural disaster since the establishment of the People's Republic of China 60 years ago, with a death toll over 69,000 and affected population over 30 million as of May 28, 2008. The hardest hit areas are in about 40 counties in Sichuan Province because of their closeness to the epicenter and mountainous topography.
The proposed GEF project is an integral part of the Bank’s efforts in supporting the Chinese government in their response to the Wenchuan Earthquake.
This project, together with the Bank’s GFDRR proposal, will evaluate earthquake damages and assess needs for recovery and reconstruction. Activities will focus on a short-term response measure (STRM) to identify and assess potential impacts and risks associated with hazardous chemicals and wastes, including Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), released from damaged facilities in Sichuan. It will also ensure that disposal of hazardous chemicals and wastes will be properly managed so that potential releases of dioxins and furans from the disposal process can be minimized.
For more information, contact: hchan@worldbank.org
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