A strong earthquake measuring 7.8 on the Richter scale jolted Wenchuan County in southwest China's Sichuan Province at 2:28 pm on May 12, 2008. The epicenter of the quake was located 31.0 degrees north latitude and 103.4 degrees east longitude. Tremors were felt in all provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities in China except the northeastern Jilin and Heilongjiang provinces and the northwestern Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous region. So far, the quake death toll has exceeded 12,000, with Sichuan Province suffering from the major casualty, while more than 10,000 people are still under debris. There is yet no report on the casualty of foreigners in China. The worse quake in three decades in China has also caused a large scale of cut of electricity, communication, transportation and water supply.

The Chinese Government regards the earthquake rescue and relief as its top priority and has taken series of measures for disaster relief work. President Hu Jintao has ordered to mount all-out efforts to help those affected by the devastating earthquake. Premier Wen Jiabao is now in the quake-hit areas to direct the rescue work and has ordered to open up roads to epicenter before 12 pm of May 13. By far, the Central Government of China has allocated 860 million yuan (122.86 million U.S. dollars) for disaster relief and received public donations of over 221.67 million yuan (31.66 million U.S. dollars) in both cash and goods. The People's Liberation Army, armed police and paramilitary forces have been mobilized. Almost 20,000 soldiers and armed police have arrived in Sichuan Province and another 30,000 are en route to the area by air, rail and road, and on foot. 60,600 tents have been sent to the quake-hit regions and more relief materials are also on the way.

The Chinese Government highly appreciates the prompt relief support and condolences from many countries and international organizations, including the solace and blessings from the Honourable Bruce Golding, Prime Minister of Jamaica, and other Jamaican friends.

The Chinese Government and people have the faith, courage and ability to overcome the severe natural disaster, and are confident that the intensive disaster relief efforts will proceed smoothly. It is hoped that more survivors could be discovered and rescued and life in the quake-hit areas could return to normal at an early date.

Updated information on the earthquake will be released at the earliest possibility.