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INDIA NEWS
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HIGH COMMISSION OF INDIA, LONDON
PRESS RELEASE JANUARY 29, 2001
GUJARAT EARTHQUAKE UPDATE
Disaster and Damage
- The extent of devastation and human tragedy as a result of the earthquake,
which struck parts of India on the morning of Friday, 26 January 2001, is
still far from clear. More than 6000 bodies had been counted by noon in
India. However, with more bodies being recovered from under the debris, the
toll could rise to 20,000 dead and 50,000 injured.
- The scale of the disaster can be gauged by the fact that the severly
afflicted state of Gujarat has an area more than 80%, and population more
than 75% of the UK.
- More than 250 after-shocks have been recorded, many above 4 and 5 on
Richter scale.
- Bangalore and Mumbai experienced tremors in the early hours of today.
However, so far there is no report of casualty or damage to property as a
result of these.
- Though most major industrial establishments in Gujarat withstood the
quake, some did suffer damage. Most of this is being attended to. Indian
Navy has taken over the management of Kandla Port which had suffered some
damage. The small scale and cottage industries, on the other hand, have
suffered the most.
- Some estimates put the extent of damage at more than Rs. 20,000 crores
(approx US$ 5 billion). However, it is too early to arrive at an exact
figure.
Rescue and Relief Operation
- Rescue teams consisting of more than 8500 army and para-military
personnel, 14 sniffer dogs already deployed and more than 800 persons on way
to deployment. Aircraft and helicopters from the Armed Forces made
innumerable sorties carrying relief workers and material.
- Search and rescue teams sent by countries including the UK, Germany,
Russia, Japan and Switzerland have been able to save several lives.
- Debris clearing equipment, recovery vehicles, earthmovers and tons of
rescue equipment deployed. This includes the equipment provided by
industrial establishments and private contractors and builders in the
region.
- Close to 1000 medical personnel deployed and more are arriving, including
aboard special trains. Beds, mobile clinics and equipment made available by
armed forces. Two ships belonging to Indian Navy, anchored at Kandla, are
being used to treat patients and a third is to carry those with more serious
injuries to Mumbai.
- Close to 150,000 blankets distributed or being distributed
- 1.10 lakh MT food grains being released by the Government for the affected
areas.
- 11.1 tonnes of food packets, and 5.5 MT of bread sent to Bhuj by Food
Corporation of India on 28th January.
- 8210 tents set up and about 2500 more on way.
Restoration of Communication and Power
- Indian Railways running special trains for evacuation of injured persons
and carrying relief supplies. Railway service restored and extended upto
about 100 kms. from Bhuj. Rail route upto Gandhidham opened by the evening
of 29 January.
- C-DOT exchanges functional at Bhuj and Gandhidham and more C-DOT exchanges
being put up. Additional telecom personnel and equipment deployed and more
being sent.
- Power restored to more than half of the usual requirement. Portable
generator sets deployed and being brought in.
- The requirement of high speed diesel, petrol and kerosene are being made
from Kandla.
Initiatives by the Government to Mobilise Resources
- Several important decisions for mobilizing financial resources for the
relief work were taken at a meeting convened by the Prime Minister and
attended by the Home Minister, the Finance Minister and the Commerce and
Industry Minister on the evening of 28 January.
- Government to seek US$ 1 billion aid from World Bank and US$ 500 million
from ADB.
- The Reserve Bank of India has been instructed to allow the Gujarat
Government to draw any amount it feels necessary for relief work.
- National Housing Bank has allocated Rs. 5000 millions for reconstruction
in the State.
- Hundred per cent tax exemptions for contributions made to any fund for
relief and reconstruction under section 80G of the Income Tax Act.
Contributions made by corporate houses will also be exempt.
- Air India instructed to carry relief supplies from abroad free of charge.
Customs and Excise Duty Exemption for commodities sent as relief material.
- The Life Insurance Corporation and the General Insurance Corporation have
been instructed to settle damage claims immediately and smoothly.
- PM said that plans being drafted for rehabilitation and restoration in the
state.
- The Government may consider mobilizing additional resources by levying
surcharge on some taxes, both individual and corporate. This has elicited
favourable reaction from various organizations representing Indian
industrial sector, such as the Confederation of Indian Industries.
Relief mobilized by State Governments
- Medical and other relief supplies have been offered by the Governments of
Maharashtra, Karnataka, Rajasthan, Punjab and Haryana. The Govt. of
Rajasthan has also rendered financial assistance.
Other Measures by Government
- Prime Minister visited Gujarat today.
- The next review of the situation in a high-level Cabinet meeting by PM on
Wednesday.
International Support and Assistance
- The Government and people of India are touched by the spontaneous and
generous offers of support from the international community. Apart from
messages of support pouring in from all corners of the world, the specific
assistance includes:-
- Rescue and search teams, as well as medicines and medical equipment sent
by the UK, France, Germany, Switzerland, Russia, Hungary, Japan, Turkey,
Oman and Algiers. Besides, similar assistance from Slovak Republic,
Republic of Korea and Malaysia has also been offered/is on its way.
- Offers/pledges of financial aid/assistance in various forms have come
from the UK (£4.5 million), Ireland (one million Irish pounds), Norway
($1.11 million), USA ($1 million besides relief supplies including 110
tons of food and other relief material) and Japan (US$ 1 million).
- China has offered to send a team of seismological experts.
Support from people at home and abroad
- The disaster has evoked spontaneous cooperation and help from people from
all walks of life in India. People are helping with whatever they can –
financial and material resources, providing shelter and food to the
homeless, offering their own services as volunteers.
- Private sector bodies including large corporate sector entities have
already adopted some of the worst affected areas for relief and
rehabilitation. Many industrial units voluntarily provided necessary
equipment for rescue and cutting.
- Our Missions abroad have been inundated by offers of financial and
material donations for disaster relief. Efforts are being made to facilitate
and coordinate these contributions very vital to relief work.
- The Indian Community in UK is gearing itself for a major relief effort.
Press Release No.11/2001
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