Tearfund, World Vision aiding quake-hit Sikkim

While the government is still assessing the chaotic situation in the aftermath of the Sikkim earthquake, Christian relief agencies have swiftly sprung into action, providing immediate help to hundreds of families affected by the catastrophic disaster.

Tearfund, Caritas and World Vision are few of the development agencies currently mobilizing help following the massive earthquake that claimed lives of nearly 120 people.

The quake occurred on Sunday at the Sikkim-Nepal border, destroying houses and displacing thousands of people.

UK-based Christian relief agency Tearfund is supporting partner agencies that are assessing immediate needs, including providing temporary housing, food, clothing and other necessities.

"Our partner teams in the region will be doing all they can to help the communities affected," said Robert Schofield, Tearfund Disaster Management Director.

"Temporary shelter, warm clothing, food, water and other essentials are vital, as exposure at altitude in the remote terrain is their biggest concern."

Even though power and telephone lines had been restored in Sikkim's capital Gangtok, media reported that most of the other quake hit areas of the state continued to be in the dark. This has only compounded relief operations.

Says Robert, with roads and bridges destroyed and vital communications and power lines down, many areas will be hard to reach.

Robert also has expressed concern over the quality of buildings in the areas affected which he said will be a critical factor.

"Whilst we hope for the best, relief teams and local communities are likely to see the consequences of poor building design. It is preparedness that makes the difference in any disaster and so often it is bad and hasty construction that claims lives. After the rescue and relief response we will need to work alongside village communities - learn the lessons that enable families to build better homes."

Another Christian relief and development organisation, World Vision India, has been assisting people affected by the quake.

"World Vision India is coordinating relief efforts in the region by meeting the immediate humanitarian needs of the affected families," the Chennai-based organisation said.

"Today, 100 families were provided with blankets, tarpaulin sheets, dry food ration and other basic necessities."

Caritas India, the social service wing of the Catholic Church, is also gathering help to aid families by raising awareness among Catholic communities.

While Sunday's earthquake measured 6.8 on the Richter scale, reports say Sikkim on Thursday again felt minor tremors of 3.9 magnitude, forcing residents to rush out in the open in panic.

The minor quake comes after the northeastern state was on Thursday hit by flash floods.

The government, meanwhile, has allocated a grant of Rs 50 crore to help relief and rehabilitation work in the quake-ravaged state.