Seán Power
Ceist:104 Mr. Power asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will provide additional aid to India in view of the extreme circumstances as a result of the recent earthquake; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3314/01]
Written Answers. - Overseas Development Aid.
The Government and the Irish people have been particularly shocked by the strong earthquake which struck India on the morning of Friday, 26 January, India's Republic Day.
In addition to measuring 7.9 on the Richter scale, the epicentre of the earthquake was close to Bhuj city in the State of Gujarat and has caused enormous damage in terms of human life and injury. Reported to be the strongest earthquake disaster in India for over 40 years, this event is set to have a negative impact on regional and national infrastructures well beyond the initial emergency response phase. The Government of India has officially placed the death toll at 14,976 with 55,000 injured. Preliminary official assessments indicate that 35 million people have been affected.
Recognising the magnitude of this disaster, the Irish Government took early action to support the international response and to provide immediate emergency relief for the suffering population. On Saturday, 27 January, the Minister of State, Deputy O'Donnell, who has special responsibility in this area, announced bilateral emergency assistance of up to £1 million to support the efforts of the Indian authorities, international agencies and organisations already operational on the ground.
The EU, through the European Community Humanitarian Office, initially announced – £3 million for immediate relief operations in Gujurat. On 31 January, the Commission announced a further £10 million in humanitarian assistance. As most of the current relief operations are focused on the major urban centres, ECHO aims to reach badly affected smaller towns and remote areas.
To expedite the impact of Ireland's bilateral emergency response, an initial amount of £250,000 was made immediately available to the International Federation of the Red Cross which is co-ordinating with the Indian authorities in their response to the emergency. On Friday, 2 February, the Minister of State, Deputy O'Donnell, met with a number of national and international NGOs to offer the Irish Government's support and to discuss their responses to the ongoing crisis. A number of organisations, including Trócaire, GOAL, Concern, Oxfam, Christian Aid, the Edith Wilkins Hope Foundation and World Vision, signalled their intention to submit emergency proposals to Ireland Aid, some of which are already being considered. The Government will continue its work, including with the relevant NGOs, to assist the Indian Government and people in recovering from the earthquake disaster.