The UN has demanded continued help from the international community to help millions of people rebuild their lives in south-western China, three months after the region was devastated by an earthquake that left more than 80,000 people dead or missing.
The May 12 Wenchuan earthquake not only devastated lives and livelihoods, but also destroyed basic services and infrastructure.
In Sichuan and neighbouring Gansu and Shaanxi provinces, an estimated five million buildings collapsed, 21 million buildings were damaged and over 40 million people were affected. The area also continues to be jolted by strong aftershocks.
According to the Chinese Government, reconstruction could take as long as three years.
The UN agencies, including the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), World Health Organization (WHO) and the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF), have continued operations in China.
"The relief phase has come to a close but the medium and long-term needs are immense and it is our hope that the international community will further support the Chinese authorities as they work on helping the people in the quake-hit areas to restore their livelihoods," UN Resident Coordinator in China, Khalid Malik said.
While FAO is working with local authorities and media to provide useful information and technology for recovery of agricultural activities, ILO has launched a project, aimed at helping small entrepreneurs and workers whose businesses were damaged or destroyed.
Meanwhile, UNESCO is providing assistance to the two earthquake-affected World Heritage sites in south-western Sichuan province, namely the Sichuan Giant Panda Sanctuaries and Mount Qingcheng and Dujiangyan Irrigation System.
