Westport, Conn. (May 12, 2008) — Save the Children is offering its assistance to Chinese authorities following a 7.8 magnitude earthquake that struck the Wenchuan county in Sichuan Province, China today.

Xinhua, the Chinese news agency, is quoting 8,000 dead and thousands more injured.

The central government has set up an emergency team, and Premier Wen Jiabao has gone to Sichuan province to give his support. Chinese troops have also been sent to help with the disaster relief.

Zhang Hong, Director of Support Services for Save the Children in China, said that Save the Children is working closely with the International Red Cross and the Ministry of Civil Affairs in monitoring the situation and is prepared to provide assistance as the agency did in 2001 following a major earthquake in the same province.

Read more about Save the Children's emergency responses around the world.