Red Cross Turns to Quake Recovery in Disaster-Prone Gujarat

Written by Stephanie Kriner, Staff Writer, RedCross.org

March 30, 2001 —  Two months after a devastating earthquake in the Indian state of Gujarat, relief workers continue to find disaster victims in need of shelter, food and clean water. However as the monsoon season nears, relief officials are helping the region focus on long-term recovery and rebuilding before the onslaught of the rains.

The American Red Cross is helping quake victims recover from the emotional and physical consequences of the earthquake.

Since the disaster hit on January 26, relief organizations from around the world have provided the quake-ravaged region with mobile clinics, temporary housing and emergency supplies of water. Now the focus is shifting toward more permanent measures, such as long term healthcare, new clean water sources and mental health programs for those suffering the emotional consequences of the devastating earthquake.

The magnitude 7.9 quake left more than 20,000 dead and 166,000 injured. Overall, more than 15 million people were affected by the disaster, according to government figures. The World Bank and Asian Development Bank said damages totaled $2.3 billion.

Official government figures put the number of houses destroyed at 348,729 and the number damaged at 751,086. In addition, the government said that the quake destroyed 6,698 schoolrooms, three hospitals and more than 160 health centers.

The American Red Cross and the Indian Red Cross continue to distribute tents, blankets, medicines and medical supplies, tarpaulins, kitchen utensils, plastic sheeting and buckets throughout the affected communities. Officials are particularly concerned about providing shelter to all quake victims before the rainy season begins in June. "We are discovering villages badly affected by the earthquake that have not yet been reached by any other organization," the American Red Cross stated in a recent report.

More than 15 million people were affected by the magnitude 7.9 quake.

Experts say long-term crisis mitigation is essential for the disaster-prone region. "In the past four years the same people in Kutch have been struck by a cyclone, drought and now the earthquake. Our future plans will bring long term benefits to these people and will enable the Red Cross to develop a really effective disaster management system in India," said Bob McKerrow, head of the Federation's South Asia delegation.

In addition to rebuilding their homes and returning to their daily lives, people still have a long way to go before recovering from the emotional traumas of the quake, according to the American Red Cross. A Red Cross mental health assessment team estimated that at least 25,000 people are in need of psychological support. The team encouraged prompt attention to the situation to prevent quake victims from experiencing symptoms of post-traumatic stress.

The American Red Cross has played a major role in distributing tents and other relief supplies throughout quake-ravaged Gujarat. --Photo courtesy of the IFRC

The American Red Cross plans to help the Indian Red Cross develop a mental health program to help troubled quake victims. "Those considered at high risk for having serious lasting psychosocial effects from the earthquake will be given priority," the American Red Cross reported. The program will focus especially on those who have witnessed the death or serious injury of a loved one, those who were widowed or orphaned and the seriously injured, especially amputees and those with spinal chord injuries.

To help India recover from major losses to its healthcare system, the American Red Cross plans to assist the Indian Red Cross in establishing programs in community health care, health education and home nursing. The American Red Cross and Indian Red Cross also will work together to supply long-term solutions that provide safe drinking water and adequate sewage facilities to the affected communities.