London charities launch Indian earthquake appeal
As international aid teams rush to help survivors of the worst earthquake to hit India in half a century, some of the UK's best-known charities have launched a joint appeal.
The Disaster Emergency Committee (DEC) India Earthquake Appeal was launched at the British Telecom Tower yesterday (Thursday) morning.
Up to 100,000 people may have died in the disaster, according to Indian government reports. Entire villages have disappeared. Hospitals are in ruins. At the epicentre of the quake, almost all buildings have been destroyed. Hundreds of thousands of people are sleeping in the open air with little access to water or food.
DEC chief executive Brendan Gormley said: "Funds are desperately needed for relief work. We must help in every way we can so that the people of Gujarat can rebuild their shattered lives."
The DEC charities are: ActionAid, British Red Cross, CAFOD, Care International, Christian Children's Fund, Childrens Aid Direct, Christian Aid, Age Concern, Help the Aged, Oxfam, Save the Children, Tear Fund and World Vision.
To donate money call: (from the UK) 0870 6060900
Contact Independent Catholic News tel/fax: +44 (0)20 7267 3616 or email
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