A devastating earthquake hit India in the early morning of January 26, 2001, killing more than 20,000 (based on news reports) and injuring 200,000 people as it toppled buildings and houses. The quake, measuring 7.9 on the Richter Scale with epicenter around 20 km north-east of Bhuj in Gujarat, occurred at 08:46 IST (Indian Standard Time) according to the Indian Seismological Department.

The quake struck as many cities were celebrating India's 51st Republic Day. The tremble caused high-rise buildings to shake from New Delhi to Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata. Reports of aftershocks came in from around the country.

Prime Minister Vajpayee visiting some of the earthquake ravaged areas, described the devastation as "a massive tragedy."  Prime Minister said that the need of the hour was that everyone should join hands to save the people.  Indian armed forces have been playing key role in all aspects of relief work in Gujarat.  Preliminary estimates indicate that about 40 million people have been affected. 

Many non-governmental organizations are involved in relief and rehabilitation efforts.  International organizations have also rushed relief materials and medical personnel to Gujarat.

• List of contributors for the Gujarat Earthquake Relief Fund

INDEX

• Affected Areas
• Embassy Coordinator for relief operations

Relief Efforts

• Prime Minister National Relief Fund
• Contributions received by the Embassy & Consulates
• Relief efforts by India Centre
• Relief efforts by non-governmental organizations
• No excise duty on relief material for earthquake hit areas
• Sending relief materials through Air-India

 Contacts

• Contact Information in India
• Ministry of External Affairs officials in Gujarat to assist the foreign relief teams
• Information on earthquake victims in Ahmedabad

 Statements & Messages

• Prime Minister's statements on Gujarat Earthquake
• Ambassador's interview on relief activities in Gujarat - PBS NewsHour
• Statement by U.S. President Bush
• Concurrent Resolution of U.S. Senate and House of Representatives Expressing Sympathy for Indian Earthquake Victims
• District of Columbia Mayor Anthony Williams urges DC residents to support relief effort to India
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Other useful Information

• Chronology of major earthquakes in India
• Earthquake information from other sources
• Online Telephone Directory (STD codes & Telephone numbers)