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Bhuj's death-toll could cross 20,000, say doctors

The death toll in the worst-hit Bhuj town of quake-devastated Gujarat may touch 20,000, doctors aiding the rescue efforts there said on Sunday.

A top government hospital functionary told UNI that a team of doctors from the institution despatched to Bhuj reported on Saturday morning that an estimated 50,000 people are still trapped in the debris of the collapsed buildings.

''The final figure of casualties may touch 20,000. In a nutshell, our medical team there has described the condition of the town as completely devastated. No part of the town is left untouched,'' he said.

Meanwhile, major government hospitals in the capital have been put on an alert to receive and treat the injured victims of the Gujarat earthquake.

However, no survivor has been brought to New Delhi yet, hospital sources said.

The super-speciality All India Institute of Medical Sciences has made special arrangements to receive the injured and has reserved beds for them. The Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital's disaster ward is also ready to treat any patients brought in.

Both hospitals have also despatched their medical teams to Bhuj along with medicines and equipment. The AIIMS has sent two teams of 22 doctors along with medical and surgical equipment and is sending another lot of equipment and medicines today.

The RML Hospital has sent a medical team of eleven persons including orthopaedists, surgeons, physicians and paramedic staff besides first aid kits and medicines. Another team is also on stand-by.

The government hospitals in New Delhi are coordinating the relief efforts with the Red Cross Society of India.

UNI

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EXTERNAL LINKS
The RD Killer Quake of Jan 26, 2001: Technical details
All about earthquakes in India and their impact
India Meteorological Department's earthquake reports
Disaster relief set-up in India
Major earthquakes across the world in recent times
A post-quake volunteer's unusual tryst with the departed
Earthquake News: Web site offering comprehensive news, information and features
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USGS: Earthquake Hazards Program

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