Dear Friend,
It will be a bigger
calamity - if we don't react appropriately
I have just returned from the quake hit areas
of Kutch. This is what I have to summarise.
1. The earthquake at Kutch -
Gujarat was Nature's fury at its worst.
2. In less than 2 minutes
the quake has left a tragic trail.Close to 100,000 people may have died and many more injured. Huge
destruction of life and property has taken place. Entire towns and villages
have been reduced to a pile of rubble.
3. The
Kutch-Gujarat Earthquake is truly a GLOBAL CALAMITY.
4. The survivors have yet to
recover from the grief of loss of near and dear ones. But a bigger tragedy has just
about unfolded for them.
5. Thousands of people have
lost their entire life's savings and earnings including homes, household
articles, business establishments, livelihood etc.
6. Many of
these people, including some we actually met, were otherwise very well
settled financially.
7. They are now on the
road without any shelter, food, clothing, sources of livelihood
etc.
8. Its going to be a
very hard start from scratch for them.
9. The biggest challenge now
is the REHABILITATION of these people.
10. The extent of damage and destruction
to life and property is so severe that it might require a few hundred billions
(atleast Rs. 3000-5000 Crores) for relief and
rehabilitation.
11. This just does not seem
possible only through government aid and support. It will require massive
contributions from all individuals, corporates etc., wherever located.
12. PLEASE CONTRIBUTE YOUR
BEST FOR THIS HUMANITARIAN CAUSE.
13. I will revert to you
with names of some genuine charitable organisations which are carrying out
concrete work for those affected.
Please forward this
to your friends, well-wishers, business associates and to all known
persons.
Kind Regards,
UMESH GALA
Tel.: 91-22-823 7927, 823
7928
Mobile:
98200-86386
Fax: 91-22-820
2043