B3-1430/93

Resolution on relief for the victims of the earthquake in Mahrashtra

The European Parliament,

A.greatly shocked by the sufferings of the people of Mahrashtra where on 30 September thousands of people were killed by an earthquake,

B.impressed by the efforts made in India to help the stricken, notably the exemplary work of the army and the giving up of a day's pay for relief work by large numbers of governmental and private workers,

C.welcoming the efforts made by the Community and its Member States to provide aid,

D.disturbed by reports of looting by members of the police and of the attempts by some of the population to prevent the distribution of aid to the untouchables of the caste system,

E.aware that much suffering following such disasters in many parts of the world is caused by the neglect of homeless survivors and the dishonest and excessively slow distribution of money or goods once the immediate disaster is no longer attracting the attention of the media,

1.Renews its expression of sympathy to the Indian Government and the people affected;

2.Calls on the central and state authorities to ensure that aid is distributed on the basis of need and that the great first aid efforts already made are followed up to ensure the rehousing of the homeless and the provision of essential services such as the supply of pure water;

3.Calls on the Community and its Member States to assist the Indian authorities in achieving these objectives;

4.Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Commission, the Council, the Government of India and the Government of Mahrashtra.