MAP International Strategizing On Medical Response To Thousands Of Injured In Today's Earthquake In India

MAP International
Friday, 26 January 2001

Brunswick, GA, January 26, 2001 Early this morning, an earthquake with a magnitude of 7.9 on the Richter Scale, violently shook the country of India. The Indian Meteorological Department said the epicenter of this morning's earthquake was in an area 20 km (13 miles) northeast of Bhuj in the marshy and sparsely populated Rann of Kutch, which lies on the border with Pakistan. The earthquake sent tremors as far as Nepal in the north and Madras in the south. The quake was the region's most intense in half a century.

At present count the earthquake has killed more than 1,792. Over 4,000 are injured and another 2,000 remain missing beneath the rubble, with more casualties expected. Families paralyzed with fear dig with bare hands and sticks, trying desperately to reach friends and relatives.

Transportation has been at a standstill due in part to the derailment of trains and destruction of roads and bridges. Massive power blackouts have occurred. Many people are sleeping in the streets in fear that their badly damaged homes will collapse. At least four people are reported killed in Pakistan.

MAP International (Medical Assistance Programs) is in contact with the Indian Health Authorities, non-governmental organizations, and faith based health ministries working in India. Assessment of needs and logistics is currently underway. As soon as the extent of medical and health requirements are fully known and secure routes of delivery can be determined, MAP will respond with emergency medicines and medical supplies. In order to assist our partner agencies in India with the medicines and medical supplies they need, we have targeted a goal of raising $50,000.

This present crisis falls closely on the heels of last week's El Salvador earthquake. While relief efforts for that disaster are still underway, this current crisis has seriously depleted existing funding for medicines and medical supplies. Cash donations are urgently needed.

MAP International, founded in 1954, is a non-profit, Christian global relief and development agency dedicated to providing medicines, medical supplies and community based health-training programs, including HIV/AIDS prevention, to the poor in over 100 countries. Less than 5% of total revenue is used for administration and fundraising. For every $1 donated, MAP provides $15 in donated medicines and medical supplies.

For more information, or to contact MAP International, see their website at: www.map.org