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Earthquake in Gujarat
By Gauri Nawathe, TheWorldJournal.com

On the 26th of January 2001, when India was celebrating its Republic Day, a massive earthquake rocked the state of Gujarat. Its intensity was 7.9 on the Richter scale and it struck at about 8.30 a.m. in the morning. The epicenter of the earthquake was Bhuj, a little town to the west of Gujarat and the tremors were felt all over India.

The devastation caused by the earthquake was as massive as the earthquake itself. Not a single building was left standing in Bhuj. The high - rise buildings in the city of Ahmedabad were reduced to sand and rubble. Children celebrating the Republic Day were crushed under the school buildings. Many families simply vanished and some were rendered homeless. We cannot even imagine the pain of the victims who saw their homes crashing down like a building made of a pack of cards. Children were orphaned and some parents saw their own children being snatched into the jaws of death. Thousands and thousands were killed and many are yet buried under the debris. Those who have survived the disaster were left with scarred bodies and minds.

The Indian Government did and is doing its best to help the victims. The Army and various organizations rushed to Gujarat shortly and rescue operations began with full force. Doctors and nurses from various cities and countries reached the spot and are working tirelessly, round the clock. All the citizens loosened their purse strings and very soon funds were collected. Help started pouring in from other countries too. The rescue work is still going on but it shall be long before the state recovers from the colossal loss of life and property.

The aftermath of the earthquake is as distressing as the earthquake itself. The earthquake has been a great leveler. Homeless people, rich or poor have found shelter under the tents provided by the Government. Some have even taken refuge in their cars. People out there are constantly living under the fear of fresh tremors and the chances of epidemics spreading due to the decaying bodies. Rumor mills have been working tirelessly and have predicted the 'dooms day'. Hundreds of bodies of the dead, with missing limbs and faces beyond recognition are being extricated every day and it is feared that hundreds are still trapped under the debris. Injured people have been sent to other cities for hospitalization and those who have stayed back are trying to fight their fears and regain the daily course of life.

Heart- rending stories of the earthquake victims keep appearing in the newspaper. Some people have been reported to have lost all of their family members. Some have been left handicapped. But miracles like people being found alive even after fourteen days of being trapped in the rubble have happened. The survivors are leading a miserable life, surrounded by death and suffering and a pall of gloom has descended over India.

Being an Indian, I feel strongly about this and I hope that all the people, all over the world shall stand by us, help us, during these difficult times.

© January 30, 2001

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