Clinton promises $50 million quake relief to Gujarat

April 4, 2001

Wednesday, April 4, 2001 (Gandhinagar):

Former US President Bill Clinton today witnessed first-hand the

tragedy behind Gujarat's earthquake of January 26. Coming back to

India - this time not as US President but as a fund-raiser for the

Gujarat earthquake - he walked through some of the towns almost

completely shattered by the earthquake

Mr Clinton, known for his ability to draw out people, was joined by

two small children as he walked through the quake-ravaged streets of

Anjar. More than 200 children died in the region the day the quake

hit the town, and the former President used the occasion to pay them

a tribute.

Clinton brings the promise of $50 million in relief as president of a

powerful group of Indian Americans - the America India Foundation -

working to focus the world's attention and gather funds to rebuild

more than 100 villages. Clinton specified he was committed to the

mission and said, "We have already raised money and now we need to

look at how we can best help to rebuild their lives and be in a

position to go into the future."

For the thousands homeless and still looking to their own government

for help, Mr Clinton's assurances may not mean much until they see

the results.

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