Irish people answer the call for aid to Indian victims

Already tens of thousands of pounds have poured into the Irish Red Cross, which has transferred funds to the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) for use on the ground. To date this money has been used in an extensive Airbridge and Truck Convoy operation involving Red Cross or Red Crescent organisations in over 30 different countries worldwide.

Life-saving supplies are now on the ground because of this rapid reaction by the Red Cross. In spite of damaged transport networks, the Red Cross have landed 16 cargo planes with some 600 tonnes of relief items including a field hospital, a mobile clinic and a water purification unit.

Aid en route to Bhuj and surrounding towns includes 250,000 blankets, 130 tonnes of high-energy biscuits, 40,000 tarpaulins and 6,500 tents. This follows the Appeal from the IFRC for approximately IR£13 million (25.6 million Swiss Francs).

Irish Red Cross Secretary General, Paul Lynch extended his thanks to the people of Ireland for their support and urged everyone to continue to donate what they could to help the earthquake victims. "The agony of the survivors, including the bereaved and injured, is shocking. The city of Bhuj has been almost entirely razed to the ground, killing roughly 20,000 people leaving roughly 300,000 people dependent on our help," he said, adding," support for our relief operation from Ireland is therefore vital".

Donations to the Red Cross India Earthquake Appeal can be made by credit card on our CallSave number 1850 50 70 70 or by cheque or postal order to the Irish Red Cross India Earthquake Appeal, 16 Merrion Square, Dublin 2.

Ends.