The primary need is for cash contributions to enable the Red Cross to pursue its priorities of providing medical supplies and assistance, blankets and temporary shelter to the thousands of injured and hundreds of thousands left homeless, said Jos Garc a-Lozano, Acting National Director of International Programs, Canadian Red Cross. Cash donations allow supplies to be procured locally, which is a much more efficient way to help those affected by this disaster. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies is mobilizing resources in response to this disaster. Water and sanitation equipment is also being shipped to Bhuj through the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. The situation is desperate, reports Don Shropshire, Director, Disaster Services, Canadian Red Cross.
People are in a state of shock.
There could still be many people trapped or dead under the rubble. With disrupted communications, electricity, and limited running water and food available in the worst-hit areas, we are very worried about the welfare of the people there. The 24-hour toll free line accepts Visa and MasterCard. Any funds not used for this disaster will be transferred to the International Disaster Relief Fund for future relief operations. Donations of goods are not accepted.