As the nation grapples with its worst natural disaster in three decades, the United Nations in China joins Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon in extending our deepest condolences to the families of those who have been killed or injured in the devastating earthquake that struck China on May 12.

The figures and the images speak for themselves. As China began a three-day national mourning last Monday, UN China staff members joined the Chinese people in observing three minutes of silence at 2:28 PM in the UN Compound in Beijing. Our hearts were filled with a great sadness.

At the same time, we are moved by the strong leadership demonstrated by the Chinese government leaders, President Hu Jintao and Premier Wen Jiabao, and all the people, the army, rescue workers, and volunteers who have shown such a great spirit of self-help and cooperation and resilience to overcome this natural disaster.

epicenter Yingxiu township to see the affected areas at first hand, and met with people in need. Standing by the side of Chinese Premier Wen Jiaobao, he said: "The whole world stands behind you and supports you."

Indeed, natural disasters can hit any people, any country. What is important is that you are determined to overcome them. The international community is deeply moved and inspired by the prompt, well-organized response to the devastating earthquake. The UN stands along with the Chinese people to work together to overcome the deadly catastrophe.

In an immediate response to the emergency, the UN launched last week $ 8 million relief grants from the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF). These funds are being used by various UN agencies and for various programs to help Chinese authorities meet the most urgent humanitarian needs and long-term reconstruction work.

Based on this contribution, the UN system in China, coordinated by the UN Disaster Management Team, took immediate action. UN supplies are pouring in the quake-affected areas: about 12,000 tents have reached people who urgently need them, emergency health kits capable of treating as many as 130,000 people for up to one month have been rushed into the quake-affected areas. More food, medicines, water, and sanitation materials are on their way.

We are all deeply aware of the catastrophic impact of this disaster on children and women. Efforts are underway to ensure that schools can resume as soon as possible, and a team of experts has been dispatched to Sichuan to provide assessment and offer psycho-social support to the large number of children who have suffered emotional trauma.

As the rescue phase reaches an end, it is already clear to all of us that this tragedy will need attention for many months, if not years, to come. Improving shelter, ensuring access to safe water and sanitation as well as healthcare efforts will have to be sustained. There is a very big task ahead.

Delivery of tents has clearly been identified as an immediate priority. We can already see the tent cities that are being established to provide temporary shelter to the over 5 million people who have lost their homes. Farmers living in the devastated villages will need assistance in sustaining their livelihoods. Children will have to be re-united with their families.

The United Nations will remain a steadfast partner of the Chinese government in providing further support to its long-term relief and reconstruction endeavors.

The UN has expertise in conducting assessments to help identify and prioritize the mid-long term needs at this recovery and rebuilding stage. In the area of environment the UN stands ready to provide experts to support the government in monitoring environmental risks and mitigating the consequences of secondary quakes. The UN will also share its global experience to assist in the restoration of livelihoods for victims of disaster.

The future needs are huge yet I am confident the Chinese people will overcome the challenges. The UN will do its utmost to continue to support relief and recovery. Recent experiences in disaster management suggest that, especially in China, resilience and hope will prevail over grief.

The author is United Nations Resident Coordinator in China.

(China Daily May 28, 2008)