[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 16 (Tuesday, February 6, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E114]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 EXPRESSING SYMPATHY FOR VICTIMS OF EARTHQUAKE IN INDIA ON JANUARY 26, 
               2001, AND SUPPORT FOR ONGOING AID EFFORTS

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                         HON. E. CLAY SHAW, JR.

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 31, 2001

  Mr. SHAW. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my deepest sympathy 
for the victims of the earthquake that recently struck the state of 
Gujarat in western India.
  January 26th marked Republic Day for the Indian people. The 
celebration of the fifty-first anniversary of the ratification of the 
Indian constitution was overshadowed by an earthquake, which although 
it only lasted sixty seconds, took an incalculable toll on western 
India.
  It measured 7.9 on the Richter Scale. An earthquake so forceful and 
deadly that tremors were felt throughout the country and an estimated 
25,000 people were killed. Remarkably, rescuers continue to find 
survivors, and we are grateful for their work on behalf of the Indian 
people. The slow and arduous process of rebuilding both buildings and 
lives has begun. The aftershock of such a calamity will be felt for 
years to come.
  It is therefore my hope that our government will provide the 
necessary and appropriate funds that may help alleviate the destruction 
caused by this catastrophe. So far, USAID has allotted nine million 
dollars for relief efforts. However, no amount of aid can ever 
compensate for the anguish and profound loss that has been experienced 
by the Indian people.

                          ____________________