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UAA Press Release on Kashgar Earthquake
February 24, 2003
Contact:
Kaiser Siyit
Director of Communications
Phone: 202-423-8803
For immediate release:
The Uyghur American Association (UAA) expresses its
deepest condolences and most sincere sympathies to the
families of earthquake victims in East Turkestan. The
heart of the Uyghur people who live in the United
States and around the world go out to those who have
lost their family members in this catastrophic
earthquake, which took place this evening in Kashgar.
According to wire reports, at least 258 people died
and 1,000 people injured after a tremor measuring 6.8
hit Payzawat County at 8:00 a.m. Urumchi time. The
epicenter of this quake was Maralbeshi, home to
370,000 people, most of whom are Uyghur farmers. Other
areas shaken by strong tremors included Artush County,
Makit County and Kashgar City. The quake was felt even
in Urumchi, the capital.
UAA welcomes the immediate measures taken by the
Chinese authorities to provide quilts, shelters, food,
and medicine to the families of the victims, and
accommodate their immediate needs under such cold
weather condition. UAA urges the autonomous regional
government to do its best to rescue those who are
under the rubbles, especially those children under the
collapsed school buildings.
UAA appreciates the condolences expressed by foreign
dignitaries including Collin Powel, U.S. Secretary of
State, Vladimir Putin, president of Russia, and
Joschka Fischer, German foreign minister. UAA is
grateful for the donation made by both internal and
international bodies to help the families of the
earthquake victims. UAA expects the Chinese
authorities to make sure that these donations directly
reach those families who have lost lives and suffered.
To further assist the families of the Uyghur victims,
UAA is planning to send donations offered by the
Uyghurs and friends of Uyghurs in the United States
(and willing donors from other countries) to them as
soon as possible. To make a donation, please send a
check to:
Uyghur American Association
6509 Elnido Drive
McLean, VA 22101
Thank you for your financial help in assisting the
families of those Uyghur victims!.
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