On September 18, 2011, near the borders of Nepal and Tibet, a massive earthquake measuring 6.9 on the Richter scale struck Northeast India. The heavy rains that lashed the area, coupled with the earthquake and three strong aftershocks measuring 5.1, 4.8 and 4.6 on the Richter scale, caused landslides, rock falls and loss of life. Chaos ensued in the lives of villagers in Kalimpong, Darjeerling and Siliguri among other areas, as citizens experienced a quake of this magnitude for the first time. Electricity and communications went down and took significant time to restore. There were widespread reports of collapses and structural damage to homes and buildings, and, in India alone, the death toll reached 75, with damage estimated at up to US$20 billion.
The Indian government took responsibility for reconstruction, but the GFF team advised that there was an urgent need for items such as warm clothing, blankets, clean water and food. In response, the GFF allocated 500,000 rupees for disaster relief, and, lead by the GFF Director in India, Saom Namchu, the GFF team coordinated efforts with AmeriCares to hand out relief packages of biscuits, horlicks, medicine, food and other basic necessities to stricken villagers living in remote areas. Personal donations from private citizens familiar with the GFF in Singapore provided sheets, towels, blankets, kitchen utensils, toys, soap, matches and other necessities. All items were allocated according to need, and given not only to the 19 villages in the GFF Model Village programme, but to those in need throughout the region as well. By the end of January, almost 400 cartons of supplies had been delivered to schools, villages, old age homes and charity missions.
The GFF remains committed to this area of India and will continue to support these people as the work towards rebuilding their lives.