February 3, 2001
SERVICE TO HUMANITY IS SERVICE TO GOD
Update on World Hindu Council (VHPA) of America Relief efforts
In the wake of the worst earthquake in 50 years, the largest Hindu organization in North America, World Hindu Council - America has wire transferred $50,000.00 for immediate rescue and relief efforts.
To serve the victims of the earthquake, which has resulted in a colossal loss of lives and property, several members of VHPA Governing council are personally in Gujarat. Dr. Mihir Meghani, a national Governing Council member and (AP news - Times Of India), a physician specializing in rendering emergency services initially intended to attend Kumbha Mela. Instead, he went to work in Gujarat. The relief work is being approached in two phases. First, meeting the immediate needs in short term and second is, long term rehabilitation.
VHP along with several sister organizations started rescue and relief operation immediately on the morning of 26 January 2001. Currently, the VHP work has been covering all the affected areas of Gujarat. The following provides a brief overview of the work performed by the VHP in different areas on Jan 31.
1. Bhachau Centre
A. 7 relief work teams consisting of 58 doctors treated patients in Bhachau and nearby villages with help of 4 Ambulance vans
B. 15 more dead bodies cremated
C. 50 persons including 2 children rescued alive in last 3 days
D. affected persons served meal
2. Anjar Centre
A. VHP workers visited 65 villages twice for the relief work
B. 60 doctors treated patients
C. 3,000 affected persons served meal
3. Bhuj Centre
A. 8 truck load of essential commodities distributed
B. 3 more relief work centers started viz * Jubilee baug * Kutch Visa Oswal Wadi * Leaua Patel Samaj
C. 12,000 affected persons served meal
D. 18 doctors treated patients
E. 25 years old Mr.Dalal came to relief camp walking after he was rescued alive from beneath debris after 101 hours
F. VHP workers visited twice 71 villages of Tehsil with food, water and medicines
G.100,000 water pouches & 2 tanks of water distributed
H. Basic essential commodities like food, water, medicines and blankets distributed by VHP workers in 71 villages of Bhuj Tehsil. 65 villages of Anjar Tehsil, 25 villages of Nakhatrana Tehsil, 14 villages of Abdasa Tehsil, 4 villages of Gandhidham Tehsil and 65 villages of Rapar Tehsil.
Besides providing material help, our volunteers are also engaged in providing relief by:
Removing the dead bodies from debris and performing the last rites before cremation.
Consoling the relatives of deceased.
Providing information to the survivors about their kith & kin.
WORLD HINDU COUNCIL(VHPA) makes an urgent appeal for donations to provide
relief to families affected by the worst earthquake in Gujarat. We appeal to your heart – Please open your purses and make a generous contribution to help your brothers and sisters, children of mother Bharat(India) in their hour of need. There is no overhead. 100% of your contributions will be sent to reputed non-governmental organizations (e.g. Bharat Kalyan Pratisthan, Seva Bharati) known for their honesty and integrity.
VHPA funds for relief work are distributed without consideration of province, caste, race or religion. ALL CONTRIBUTIONS ARE TAX DEUCTIBLE. Our Tax ID # 51-0156325.
Please make your tax deductible check to India Earthquake Relief Fund - VHPA
National Coordinators:
Ms. Sonal Shah 202-337-7890
Yogesh Naik 08-289-8077
Zonal Coordinators:
North Eastern States
