In 17 provinces, the storms caused 150,000 houses to collapse, severely damaged more than 600,000 others, destroyed nearly 7 million hectares of crops and killed countless livestock. Coinciding with the beginning of Chinese New Year, the most important holiday of the year, the inclement weather stranded tens of millions of people who were trying to return home for their annual visit to celebrate the holiday.

ERD's partner in China, the Amity Foundation, an independent Chinese Christian voluntary organization, is responding to the most severely affected areas. With the support of ERD, Amity is distributing rice and bedding to homeless families.

"The number of people impacted by this disaster is astounding," says Julie Petrie, ERD's program officer for Asia. "It is critical to provide for basic necessities as people begin the hard work of returning their lives to normal."

To help people affected by severe weather in China, make a donation to ERD's "Emergency Relief Fund" online here, or by calling 1-800-334-7626, ext. 5129. Gifts can be mailed to: Episcopal Relief and Development "Emergency Relief Fund" P.O. Box 7058, Merrifield, VA 22116-7058.