Christian Aid has backed a call from the
Disasters Emergency Committee for more help for the those hit by the devastating
earthquake in Gujarat, India. The DEC is co-ordinating the joint appeal
by Britain's leading aid agencies for relief for those affected by the
Indian earthquake.
So far £6.5 million has been raised
but much more is needed if the people of Gujarat are to get back on their
feet after the worst earthquake to hit the country for at least 50 years,
a spokeswoman said.
A fortnight after the quake ripped through the region, Christian Aid's partners in Gujarat said tremors were still being felt. Speaking from Bhuj, one of the worst affected areas, Nandini Narula, of Christian Aid's Delhi office said: "The place looked like it had been bombed. Nothing was standing straight."
She said people were still traumatised. "One woman I met did not want to cook in a corner where a building protected her from the wind because there was a crack in it. She preferred to cook in the open even though it was more time-consuming and used up more fuel."
Christian Aid's Indian partners continue to bring relief to affected areas, many of which have so far received little outside help.
Christian Aid spokesman Dominic Nutt, recently returned from the area, said: "Let there be no doubt in anyone's mind that it will take a long time and huge effort to repair the damage. Our partners have worked in India for decades and we will not turn our back on the people of Gujarat - even when the television cameras have gone.
"But we and our fellow development agencies continue to need the public's support. This is a massive disaster. If you can help, please do so."
Phone 0870 60 60 900 or give online at the DEC website.
Cheques should be made payable to DEC India Earthquake Appeal and posted to the DEC, PO Box 999, London EC3A 3AA.
All money donated to the DEC will be shared among the DEC member agencies, including Christian Aid.