Constant aftershocks from the initial 7.9-magnitude earthquake that struck China yesterda, has sent people to the streets to take refuge.

BEIJING - Aftershocks continue to disrupt relief efforts to reach those trapped and wounded by yesterday's 7.9-magnitude earthquake, which left 12,000 dead and thousands more buried beneath the rubble of ruined cities.

Immediately, Operation Blessing China teams began working to reach victims with aid in several provinces and are coordinating with the Red Cross of Sichuan Province and Jinniu District of Chengdu city to distribute relief supplies and medical aid.

In Mianyang city, where more than 18,000 people are buried under the rubble, OBI is working to begin relief efforts with a local government church.

"Staff traveled to impacted areas to assess damage and understand if supplies could be brought to the region," said Kara Waddell, general manager for Operation Blessing China.

Even though OBI staff based in Chengdu were not able to enter their own office because of damage to the building, they still continue to work.

Right now, the Central government is working to get to the worst of the impacted areas of Wenchuan, the epicenter of the quake. The mountainous terrain is rugged and hard to access.

"They even considered parachuting in soldiers and air workers," Waddell said. "The roads are quite damaged and rugged."

In addition, OB China has also offered to send relief supplies to an orphanage in Wenchuan.

"Right now, the greatest needs are food and shelter," Waddell said.

Dujiangyan city, above, suffers from destruction caused by the earthquake.

HOW YOU CAN HELP
You can help by making an online donation toward OBI's disaster relief efforts. With your support, we can continue to provide emergency relief and recovery. Please make an on-line donation today.

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