The United Nations is stepping up relief work in Yushu, in China's northwest province of Qinghai, following the 7.1 magnitude earthquake that devastated the area on April 14.

Several UN agencies are already actively involved, providing shelter, food, medical assistance, education, and sanitation services. The UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) has provided a grant of US$4.7 million for the relief work.

"We've been impressed by the speed and magnitude of the government's response to the Yushu earthquake," said Renata Lok-Dessallien, UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative in China. "The UN aims to supplement the government's relief effort by providing relief material and stands ready to assist in reconstruction plans."

Yin Yin Nwe, UNICEF Representative and Chair of the UN Disaster Management Team in China said, "The assistance that the UN is currently delivering will help meet the needs of communities affected by this tragedy, especially the most vulnerable groups such as children, women and the elderly."

The UN's contribution to post-disaster reconstruction will focus on re-settlement, food aid, health care, and psychological assistance.

The magnitude 7.1 quake has killed at least 2,220 people, with 70 still missing and 12,135 injured.