SAN FRANCISCO, Aug. 5, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Give2Asia, a San Francisco-based public charity, is partnering with local charitable groups in China for disaster recovery following August 3, 2014 earthquake in Yunnan. Individuals and institutions wishing to support the local effort can make donations at http://give2asia.org/yunnan.

To date, following the 6.5 magnitude quake in Ludian County, Yunnan Province, 398 people are reported killed and 1,801 injured, according to China's Ministry of Civil Affairs. Ludian County is recognized by the national government as being one of the most impoverished regions in the country. Predominantly made of wood and bricks, nearly 80,000 homes collapsed, 124,000 were severely damaged, and 466,100 were partially damaged. Initial estimates suggest that nearly 1.1 million people were affected in all.

Based on initial assessments by Give2Asia's staff in Beijing, the government and local nonprofits are addressing a number of immediate needs. Urgent relief needs include tents, foods, medical and rescue supplies. Short-to-medium term needs currently include infrastructure repairs, and psycho-social programs for those experiencing psychological trauma.

To learn more about Give2Asia's Yunnan Earthquake 2014 efforts, visit www.give2asia.org/yunnan.

ABOUT GIVE2ASIA DISASTER RESPONSE

Give2Asia has responded to nearly 40 natural disasters in the Asia Pacific region during the past 10 years, including three in China. Give2Asia's strategy is to support recovery by partnering with local groups based within affected communities and to engage in multi-year programs to support rebuilding, economic recovery, psychosocial programs and other needs that may arise following a disaster. Give2Asia reports back to donors on every dollar spent. Learn more about Give2Asia's disaster response strategy at give2asia.org/disaster.

Contributions to the Yunnan Earthquake 2014 Fund go to support immediate relief and long-term recovery efforts of affected communities. Organizations or individuals interested in supporting through advised grants to local charitable organizations should contact Give2Asia by emailing info@give2asia.org.

ABOUT GIVE2ASIA

Give2Asia makes international grant making safe, effective, and impactful. Since its founding in 2001, Give2Asia has raised $237 million in gifts and donations from corporate, foundation, and individual donors for community partners in Asia. Give2Asia has demonstrated its effectiveness in serving the needs of international philanthropy with its on-the-ground presence, knowledge of diverse social and economic conditions, and the expert matching of donor interests with innovative and effective grantees.