[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: WILLIAM J. CLINTON (1999, Book II)]
[November 2, 1999]
[Page 1950]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



Statement on the Cyclone in India
November 2, 1999

    On behalf of all Americans, Hillary and I offer our deepest 
condolences to the families who lost loved ones to the devastating 
cyclone that struck eastern India Friday and Saturday. It is gradually 
becoming clear just how much destruction was wrought along the seacoast 
and inland in those terrifying hours. There are reports that thousands 
of lives were lost and hundreds of thousands of homes were destroyed. It 
is truly a national calamity.
    Our hearts go out to the Indian people, and we are prepared to do 
what we can to help. The Government of India has an immense task ahead 
in providing assistance to the people who were affected by this tragedy. 
The United States Government is providing more than $2 million worth of 
food and $100,000 worth of tents and plastic sheeting to help alleviate 
the hunger and immediate suffering. I also encourage the American people 
to help through charities involved in international relief.