American Red Cross Provides Cash, Supplies, Experts for Indian Earthquake Relief
News Release: January 27, 2001
Contact: Janice Osborne, Manager-Media & Community Affairs
(610) 865-4400, ext. 262
In immediate response to the 7.9 magnitude earthquake that struck India, the American Red Cross released a combination of support to the Indian Red Cross as thousands of survivors desperately need help.
The American Red Cross provided an initial $25,000 to help jump-start the relief operations and an additional $20,000 to purchase within India much-needed plastic sheeting and blankets. In addition, three American Red Cross international relief team members left from the United States to join an American Red Cross colleague who was in New Delhi when the earthquake struck.
"As American Red Cross relief workers travel to India to help earthquake survivors, 11 of their colleagues continue to help the thousands displaced by the violent seism in El Salvador. The American Red Cross combined relief assistance of cash, supplies and disaster relief experts represents an initial response to alleviate the human suffering caused by yesterday's (1/26) earthquake in India," said Gerry Jones, vice president, American Red Cross International Services.
The American Red Cross is prepared to meet the challenge of assisting the people of India, but we need the continued support of the American people to ensure help is there as long as the need exists, added Jones.
All Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary gifts of time and money from the American people.
The best way to help the people affected by the earthquake in India and other international disasters is by making a cash donation to the American Red Cross International Response Fund by calling 1-800-HELP-NOW. Internet users can make a secure online credit card contribution by visiting www.redcross.org. Contributions to the International Response Fund may also be sent to the local American Red Cross chapter at 2200 Avenue A, Bethlehem, PA 18017 or to the American Red Cross Washington office at P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013.
Family and friends in the United States concerned about relatives living in India, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Nepal who are foreign nationals or citizens of these countries, are encouraged to keep calling or to try contacting family members who live nearby. Callers also are encouraged to contact their local embassies/consulates in New York at (212) 774-0600, www.indiacgny.org.
For inquiries concerning U.S. citizens, call the U.S. Department of State at (202) 647-5225.
For more information, please call the Lehigh Valley Chapter, American Red Cross at (610) 865-4400.
The American Red Cross is a humanitarian organization, led by volunteers, that provides relief to victims of disasters and helps people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies.
The Lehigh Valley Red Cross serves more than 620,000 residents in Lehigh and Northampton counties. Last year the Red Cross provided health and safety education training and emergency relief services to nearly 15,500 Lehigh Valley residents.
