Following the earthquake, which Chinese state media are calling the the most devastating in 30 years, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is dispatching its first medical teams to one of the worst hit areas. The 'quake, measuring 7.8 on the Richter scale, occured in China’s southwestern province of Sichuan on Monday, 2.28pm local time.
The 'quake has left nearly 10,000 dead and scores more are feared dead or injured. Roads and communications in Wenchuan, the worst hit county, with a population of over 110,000, have been cut off since the 'quake struck. Access to the affected population in this mountainous region is extremely difficult.
MSF teams composed of medical doctors and an administrative staff are leaving for the provincial capital Chengdu tonight to assess the immediate needs of the population. At the time of the 'quake, the team was working in Nanning, Guangxi Province, where MSF has been treating patients with HIV/AIDS since 2003.