U.S. Ambassador to India Robert D. Blackwill announces $8 Million for USAID Gujarat Earthquake Recovery Initiative

September 5, 2001

BHUJ, GUJARAT. U.S. Ambassador Robert D. Blackwill today announced the provision of $8 million from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) for Gujarat Earthquake Recovery Initiative activities.

The funds have been specifically targeted for reconstruction activities carried out by U.S. Private and Voluntary Organizations that were active in responding to the emergency relief needs in Gujarat. This includes $4 million to support the reconstruction efforts being undertaken by CARE and FICCI; $2 million to CRS in partnership with Caritas India; and $2 million to World Vision teamed with Habitat for Humanity. This new funding raises the total U.S. Government contribution for emergency relief and reconstruction in Gujarat to over $20 million.

The Ambassador made the announcement while the was visiting the seriously affected village of Paiya in Northwestern Bhuj where CRS is working. The Ambassador said that funds will help communities that have undergone extreme hardships to rebuild family shelters, as well as to construct multi-purpose building, and repair basic, but essential, infrastructure such as schools and health clinics.

Noting the earthquake's destruction of infrastructure and historical structures in the Old City of Bhuj, U.S. Ambassador Blackwill announced that the grant to CARE will also support the Indian National Trust for Art, Culture and Heritage to start reconstruction of a museum in Bhuj.

Mr. Blackwill commended the Government of India, local officials, and the India military for meeting the needs of victims, even while they themselves had undergone great hardship. He expressed the hope that this additional support would help the people of Paiya and other villages across Kutch to accelerate the reconstruction job and also give the new homes a stronger ability to resist future disasters.

USAID is the lead development and international disaster assistance agency for the United States Government.