INDIA NEWS

HIGH COMMISSION OF INDIA, LONDON

PRESS RELEASE FEBRUARY 2, 2001 

GUJARAT EARTHQUAKE RELIEF UPDATE

Extent of Loss of Life and Property Computed so far

• The 2nd meeting of the Empowered Group of Ministers (GoM), headed by Union Home Minister Mr. L. K. Advani, was held in New Delhi. The main decisions taken include:

• All measures to be taken to provide temporary shelters to the affected people.

• Business chambers, Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) and ASSOCHAM to adopt clusters of affected villages for immediate relief and long-term reconstruction and rehabilitation.

• Public sector undertakings also discussing similar action.

• Officials of the External Affairs Ministry posted in Ahmedabad and Bhuj to guide foreign dignitaries visiting the affected areas.

• A ready reckoner containing names and telephone numbers of key officials and routes for supply of relief material being printed by the State Government.

• The GoM would again meet on February 7 to review the situation.

• 1235 civilian staff deployed in Kutch district.

• More than 27 Companies and several armed forces and para military personnel working in Kutch district.

• 63 feederlines restored, power restored in 7 towns and of 58 villages.

• Out of 15 towns where water supply was severely affected, it has been restored in six towns and remaining nine towns are being provided water supply through tankers.

• 685 out of 1166 affected villages being provided piped water and remaining 482 villages through tankers.

• Milk powder, vegetables, edible oil, diesel, petrol, kerosene etc., supplied through 3032 ration shops in 5 worst affected districts.

• 55 hospitals are functioning in earthquake affected districts where 2031 doctors in these hospitals have treated 55290 patients so far.

• Broad-gauge Rail link with Bhuj is likely to be restored by Saturday allowing large-scale movement of relief goods.

• Helplines and information kiosks set up at all entry points in the state, manned by authorised State Government officials, to direct the relief material to different areas.

• Kuwait (two batches of humanitarian assistance comprising of tents, blankets and various food products, such as milk, medicine as well as medical equipment), USAID raised its aid pledge to US$ 9 million. The enhanced component of US$ 4 million involves a US$ 100,000 donation to PM’s Relief Fund and funds to be used for water, shelter projects, food and purchasing technical equipment. Further, US also sent emergency relief supplies aboard two C-5 cargo planes, the largest in the military's transport fleet and a six-person military assessment team.

• UAE Red Crescent (one aircraft with emergency supplies, including 40 tons of tents, blankets and clothes).

Arabian Gulf Program donated $100,000 for relief work.

Gujarat Government’s

E-mail address (for queries on earthquake): equake@guj.nic.in
Web-site: http://www.gujaratindia.com

Press Release No. 16/2001

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