OB China is focusing their relief efforts on at risk populations - namely the orphans, the elderly in more remote areas still without power and unable to access aid.

ANHUI, China – While some residents of China celebrated the Chinese New Year, others were still left to battle the bitter cold and destruction left by a month of heavy snowfall.

Operation Blessing China initially teamed up with the China Foundation for Poverty Alleviation (CFPA) to provide immediate relief to those in need. Kits containing food, water and blankets were given to local families.

Now, OB China is focusing their relief efforts on at risk populations - namely the orphans, the elderly and the isolated living in more remote areas still without power and unable to access aid because of poor road conditions and lack of transportation. In their determination, OBI crews even pushed their truck – loaded with food, winter jackets and blankets – up a muddy, mountainside road in order to reach residents in need.

Government officials report the recent snowfall is the largest in more than 50 years and estimate economic loss at $11 billion to date. Early reports state 300,000 homes have been damaged and millions of crops destroyed.

OBI teams pushed their truck – loaded with food, winter jackets and blankets – up a muddy, mountainside road in order to reach residents in need.

"I have never seen a winter like this in my lifetime," said Mr. Lee, a village resident who lost his farm to the storm. "All my crops have been destroyed and that’s the only income that supports my family. Soon we will run short of food supplies."

The snow storm hit during one of the busiest travel seasons in China – the Lunar New Year, on Feb. 7. The economic fallout from the lack of tourism dollars will further the damage since the revenue can’t supplement other areas, such as crop loss.

OBI is currently providing rice to 1,000 families in rural areas and will continue to reach these remote villages for the next three months. The teams will also survey the extent of the damage of crops and villages and find ways to support the local residents in order to rebuild.

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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