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Caritas Australia is calling for donations to provide relief to the earthquake-devastated state of Gujarat in north-west India.
The earthquake, which rocked the country on
January 26, killed an estimated 20,000 and destroyed entire communities, leaving hundreds of thousands injured or homeless. The quake, which measured 7.9 on the Richter scale, was the worst in India’s history, and
coincided with the country’s Republic Day celebrations.
The epicentre in the northern province of Gujarat was a scene of devastation. The city of Bhuj where 150,000 people lived was turned into rubble with
hardly a building left standing.
The cost of the damage has been put at $A8.32 billion, with domestic and international aid so far totalling $A1.75 billion. Caritas Australia has already sent an initial
$60,000 and has launched a nationwide appeal. More than $100,000 in donations has already been raised, which will be channelled through Caritas India.
Field workers for Caritas Australia, Melville Fernandez
and Ana Kiousis, are currently in India working with the 15-member team of Caritas International.
“We need to respond generously,” Melville Fernandez said. “The immediate needs of the millions of traumatised
victims are temporary shelter, by way of family tents, medical aid, food, drinking water, blankets and other essential commodities for survival.”
Local dioceses have rallied to extend relief to the people in
Bhuj, Ahmedabad and surrounding areas. They are trying to reach all the stricken families with a particular focus on the vulnerable and marginalised.
Emergency relief is being provided by Caritas India and
other Caritas agencies with India-based operations. Camps are spontaneously establishing themselves near ruined towns and villages, and are being provided with plastic sheets, water cans, blankets, tents and mats.
Food aid is also being distributed.
Pope John Paul II has sent condolences to the people of India through the Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Lorenzo Baldisseri, who said: “Having learned with great sadness of
the tragic earthquake which struck north-west India, His Holiness Pope John Paul II has asked me to express to all concerned the assurance of his closeness in prayer.
“He commends the dead to the loving
mercy of Almighty God and invokes Divine blessings of strength and consolation upon their families, the injured and all that have suffered loss. His Holiness likewise prays in a special way for the rescue-workers
and all involved in providing assistance to the victims of this terrible disaster, encouraging them to persevere in their efforts to bring relief and support to the stricken population.”
To make donations,
telephone Caritas Australia toll-free on 1800 024 413 or visit the Caritas website at www.caritas.org.au
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