The 2008 Sichuan earthquake, magnitude 7.9. ML, occurred at 14:28:01.42 CST (06:28:01.42 UTC) on 12 May 2008,[1] with its epicenter in Wenchuan County, Sichuan province of the People's Republic of China. The disaster galvanized the CANGOs[clarification needed] into soliciting numerous monetary donations and other forms of aid from across the globe, which has exceeded a collective total of US$456.9 million in cash contributions from sources outside the country. Inside mainland China, by 14 May, the Ministry of Civil Affairs stated that ¥ 10.7 billion (approximately $1.5 billion) had been donated by the Chinese public alone, including ¥ 4.185 billion yuan in the first week.[2]