Emergency Aid for the Earthquake Disaster in India

January 27, 2001

On January 27 (Sat), the Government of Japan decided to extend emergency aid of about 103,500,000 yen, comprising of 700,000 dollars in emergency grant aid and materials assistance equivalent to about 30 million yen, to the Government of India, which has sustained damage from a large earthquake whose seismic center was in the northwest of the country.
At 9:00 am (Japan time: 0:30 pm) on January 26 (Fri), a large earthquake measuring 6.9 on the Richter scale (7.9 according to the American Geological Institute) hit India. The seismic center was Bhuj, India's northwestern state of Gujarat, which is on the border with Pakistan. According to an announcement of the Government of India, 2,305 people are reported dead and 14,047 injured, and it is highly possible that the toll will further increase. There was also enormous damage to the infrastructure including houses, high-rise buildings and bridges.
The Government of Japan has decided to extend the present aid from a humanitarian point of view, as well as in consideration of the seriousness of the damage and the friendly relations between India and Japan.

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