China - Earthquake
OCHA Situation Report No. 1
31 March 2002


1.  At 2:52 p.m. on March 31 2002, local time (or 6:52 a.m. on March 31
2002, GMT), a strong earthquake occurred near Hualien, 100 kilometres (65
miles) southeast of Taipei (latitude 24.4 degrees north, longitude 122.2
degrees east). According to the United States Geological Survey, the
earthquake measured 7.1 on the Richter scale.

2.  The tremors were felt across the island. In Taipei, buildings rocked
back and forth, and startled people ran out of homes and churches. Local
media have reported three buildings collapsed or partially collapsed.
Taipei's subway has been shut down after a water pipe at one station
broke. Water and gas pipes were also ruptured around the city. Local media
also reported four people dead, more than 200 injured. Many people have
been reported missing in several collapsed buildings across the city of
Taipei.

3.  In response to the earthquake, the city government mobilized soldiers
and firefighters to carry out rescue work.

4.  OCHA has not received any request for international assistance.

5.  The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs is closely
monitoring the situation. This situation report, together with further
information on ongoing emergencies, is also available on the OCHA Internet
Website at http://www.reliefweb.int


Telephone: +41-22-91712 34
Fax: +41-22-917 00 23
E-mail: ochagva@un.org

In case of emergency only: Tel. +41-22-917 20 10

Desk Officers:
  Mr. R. Müller / Ms. S. Desouza / Mr. S. Nakajima
  Direct Tel. +41-22-917 3131 / 1636 / 4034

Press contact:
  (GVA)  Ms. Elizabeth Byrs, direct Tel. +41-22-917 26 56
  (NYC)  Ms. Phyllis Lee, direct Tel. +1-212-963 48 32


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