City opens condolence books |
City of Sydney on 21 May opened condolence books for visitors to send their thoughts to the victims of natural disasters in Burma and China.
"This is a time for compassion and, on behalf of the people of Sydney, I offer our sincere condolences and our support for the peoples of China and Burma", said Lord Mayor Clover Moore MP.
The condolence books will be placed at Town Hall House and Lord Mayor Clover Moore MP has encouraged people to use the opportunity to express their sympathy and support for the many victims and their families.
On 12 May 2008 the most powerful earthquake to strike China in over half a century devastated its south western provinces. The 7.9 magnitude earthquake levelled more than 4.7 million houses in eight provinces, with at least 4.8 million people displaced.
The Chinese people have mobilised a massive rescue and recovery effort and the Chinese Government is to be commended for its swift response.
By 20 May, the death toll had risen to 35,000 with around 250,000 injured.
On 2 May 2008 tropical cyclone Nargis hit the coast of Myanmar (Burma) and devastated large parts of the lowlying Irrawaddy Delta. Winds exceeding 190 kilometres per hour ripped through Yangon, Myanmars biggest city, flattening homes and uprooting trees. With 95 per cent of homes in rural parts of the country completely destroyed, nearly 2.5 million survivors are desperate for help.
As at 20 May, about 78,000 people were confirmed dead and 56,000 missing according to Myanmars Government. Aid agencies say the death toll alone could be 128,000.
The condolence book will be available from 8am - 6pm at Town Hall House, 456 Kent Street, Sydney.
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➼ City opens condolence books
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