- How to help
- News links
- Aid Agency Links
- About Australia's Humanitarian and Emergency Aid Program
- Report from Gujarat - a photo essay on the earthquake and its aftermath
The Australian Government is deeply saddened by the loss of life and injury
which has resulted from the Earthquake which shook the Indian subcontinent on
the morning of 26 January.
The magnitude of the earthquake was 7.9 on the Richter scale and the
epicentre 20 kilometres north east of Bhuj City in the State of Gujarat. It
was the largest earthquake to hit the subcontinent since 1956.
Unofficial reports indicate over 20,000 people have died and many thousands
more are either missing or trapped in the rubble.
Australia committed a total of $2.5 million to the Indian earthquake relief effort.
A rapid response contributed $1 million to the United
Nations and International organisations to assist immediate
emergency relief programs provide clothes, blankets, medical supplies and
clean water to the devastated communities.
Australia is also supporting the UN Disaster Assessment and Coordination
Team. AusAID, the Australian Government's overseas aid
agency, has contracted an experienced disaster management expert, to join
the team. The team is assisting in assessing the situation and coordinating
international assistance.
An additional $1.5 million in assistance was announced by the Prime Minister on
30 January and will be provided to the following agencies:
-
The Australian Red Cross - $500,000 for logistical support and the
provision of temporary shelter materials in the form of plastic sheeting and
tarpaulins. -
Tear Australia - $500,000 for provision of safe drinking water, basic
sanitation, essential medicines and trauma counseling. -
Community Aid Abroad (Oxfam Australia) - $500,000 for provision of
immediate food, drinking water and medical needs.
These organisations were selected after broad consultations with the NGO
community and an assessment by AusAID. Their relief efforts will cover a significant area of Gujarat, including the city of Bhuj, and Kutch, Bachau taluka, Patan, Surendranagar and
Ahmedabad districts.
How to Help
Money is the best way to help.
The best way for Australians to help is to make a cash donation to a
reputable non-government aid agency that is supporting the relief effort.
Details on agencies providing assistance can be obtained from:
The Australian Council for International Development
(ACFID)
Telephone +61 2 6285 1816
email: acfoa@acfoa.asn.au
What not to give
Please see the AusAID Humanitarian and Emergency Assistance page for advice on what not to give.
News Links
- ABC Online http://www.abc.net.au
- CNN http://www.cnn.com
- BBC http://news.bbc.co.uk
Aid Agency Links
- The Australian Red Cross - http://www.redcross.org.au
- UNICEF Australia - the United Nations Children's Fund - http://www.unicef.com.au
- TEAR Australia - http://www.tear.org.au
- Community Aid Abroad/Oxfam - http://www.caa.org.au