Earthquake-Tsunami Emergency - How to Help [3]

[Guest guest]

December 26, 2004

New Delhi

“Early this morning, I learnt with deep shock of the devastation caused by an

earthquake in the Andaman seas, and the consequent tidal waves in the Andaman

and Nicobar islands and our eastern coast. I have received reports of extensive

loss of life, severe damage to public and private property and disruption of

communications.

 

I am deeply distressed by the large scale devastation that has been wrought. My

heartfelt sympathies are with the families of the bereaved, and with all those

affected in our country. I have spoken to the Chief Ministers of the affected

States, to assure them of all possible Central support and assistance in the

relief and rehabilitation effort. The Defence and Home Ministers have been

asked to alert the armed forces and paramilitary forces, who are already

assisting in providing relief to all those who have been affected in the

disaster.

 

The Cabinet Secretary has taken a meeting of the Crisis Management Group, and

all Government departments are on alert to provide the maximum possible

assistance. I have deputed two of my Cabinet colleagues, Shri Mani Shankar

Aiyar, and Shri Dayanidhi Maran, to survey the affected areas and co-ordinate

relief and rescue efforts. The Home Minister is also visiting the affected

areas shortly.

 

At this juncture, I would appeal to all citizens in the affected coastal

districts to remain calm, and to assist wherever possible in the provision of

relief. There is no cause whatsoever for alarm, as the situation is being

monitored very closely.

 

I have also sent messages of sympathy to the Presidents of Maldives, Indonesia

and Sri Lanka, as well as the Prime Minister of Thailand, where reports of

heavy damage are coming in. India also stands ready to assist these friendly

nations, should our help be required”. Source:

http://pmindia.nic.in/lspeech.asp?id=61

 

Prime Minister’s Appeal

December 28, 2004

New Delhi

My Fellow Citizens,

You are all aware that an unprecedented natural calamity has wreaked death and

destruction in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the States of Andhra Pradesh,

Kerala, Pondichery and Tamil Nadu. Thousands of people have died in this

disaster caused by a tsunami wave triggered by an earthquake. We have all seen

pictures of agony, pain, trauma and of the dislocation of life and loss of

property. We have also been witness to the tragedy in our neighbouring

countries including the Maldives, Sri Lanka, Indonesia and Thailand.

The government will do whatever is required and expected of it to provide relief

and assist in rehabilitation. I am sure each one of us will voluntarily extend

help and support to the best of our ability. It is at times like these that the

best in us comes out and the human spirit transcends all adversity.

I appeal to all citizens to strengthen the hands of our Government in dealing

with this tragedy and donate generously to the Prime Minister’s National Relief

Fund.

___Manmohan Singh

Payment may be made by cheque or draft in the name of “The Prime Minister’s

National Relief Fund” and sent to the Prime Minister’s Office, South Block, New

Delhi 110011. As per directions on the subject the nationalised banks are not to

charge any commission on preparation of drafts favouring the PMNRF.

Contributions can also be made directly to the branches of the following banks:

State Bank of India, Central Bank of India, Union Bank of India, Dena Bank,

Syndicate Bank, Corporation Bank, Bank of India, Indian Overseas Bank, Punjab

National Bank, Indian Bank, Allahabad Bank, Citi Bank.

Donations can also be sent through Money Orders with no commission chargeable.

Contributions to the PMNRF have been notified for 100% deduction from taxable

income under section 80(G) of the Income tax act.

Form for payment through Credit Cards

 

Name : ______________

( As it appears on the credit card)

Address : _____________

_____________

PIN ________________ Country ___________________

Phone ______________ (Off)__________________(Res)

Card : Diners / MasterCard / VISA / AMEX

Card No. : - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Expiry Date : - - / - - - - (MM/YYYY)

Amount : Rs ----- US$----- Euro----- GBP-----

Other Currency ---- Amount-----

Currency and Amount in words : ______________________________

___

 

Date of Birth : - - / - - / - - - -

of Card Holder DD MM YYYY

Email Address :

Please make this donation to the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund. I will

at no stage dispute this donation and I confirm that this Credit Card belongs

to me.

______________________

Signature

(As it appears on credit card).

Card holders either mail this slip to the PMNRF, Prime Minister's Office, New

Delhi 110011 or Fax this slip to FAX nos. 91-11-23016857, 91-11-23019545,

91-44-28525769.

 

Source: http://pmindia.nic.in/lspeech.asp?id=62

Prime Minister of India Official Website: http://pmindia.nic.in/

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