Hi all,

Reproducing article from the website http://www.timesofindia.com:" rel="nofollow">LINK
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In New Orleans there was shooting and looting when the floods came last week. When a similar inundation struck Mumbai a month earlier, there was no violence, just free vada-pav.

Residents say street vendors passed out the vadapav to their fellow citizens wading through waist-high water in a sign that the disaster brought the city together rather than tearing it apart as appeared to happen in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina.

The response seems to symbolise what South Asians say is the region’s familiarity with, and resilience in the face of, numerous natural calamities.

"What we are seeing in USA is complete chaos," said Farida Lambe, vicepresident of the Nirmala Niketan College of Social Work which helped in relief and rehabilitation work during the Mumbai floods.

"My assessment is that many of the problems arose as the people are not used to facing calamities. They expect complete efficiency and find it difficult to cope if it does not come about."

Mumbai police commissioner AN Roy confirmed there were no cases of looting, arson or violence when the floods hit.

"Even stray cases of robbery were not heard or reported," he said.

India has regularly faced natural disasters from earthquakes, storms and floods during monsoon. As a result, it has developed rapid responses for shelter and relief that while not wholly successful for long-term rehabilitation, have enabled them to handle immediate needs quickly.

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This is not to praise India or belittle U.S. But something which definitely is being discussed in this website.

Rgds.

Rajan.
Thanks & regards.

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Let's make India a better place !

Another difference that the article forgot to mention.....
Mumbai - Possibly the richest city in India.
New Orleans - possibly the poorest in the US with one third of the population below poverty level.

A society without self respect will disintegrate when disaster strikes....

Wouldn't Mumbai have about the same or more percentage of people living under poverty level?

Thanks & rgds.

Rajan.

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Let's make India a better place !

Something which we all should be proud of. I guess some people might say "What is there to be proud about?"

India has been used to receiving aid, not giving aid to U.S.


Article from http://www.rediff.com" rel="nofollow">LINK :-
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US lauds Indian aid for Katrina-hit


Wednesday, 07 September , 2005, 09:33

Washington: US Congressman Joseph Crowley, Chief Deputy Whip, and former Chair of the Caucus on India and Indian Americans applauded India for its generous donation of money and supplies to the victims of Hurricane Katrina.
Discuss: India can't afford to give $5 million aid to hurricane-battered US


"India is not only a strategic and financial partner, but also a friend. Their generosity and compassion at this time of great tragedy and need is exemplary."



"Just as the United States has been there during their time in need, they have been there for us with not only a financial contribution, but also with the supplies and volunteers we desperately need," said Crowley in a press statement.

The 25 tons of aid carried by the Indian relief mission will include many of the materials most needed by the communities affected by the disaster, including 50,000 first aid kits, 25,000 cots and 500,000 packets of rations.

India has also donated 5 million dollar to the American Red Cross.

"As the representative of one of the largest Indian American populations in the country, I am proud of the efforts of India and Indian Americans to immediately come to the aid of Hurricane Katrina victims."

Images: Katrina unleashes crime wave in US

"I look forward to working with the residents in my own community to continue to aid the families of the Gulf Coast," Crowley said.

The headquarters of India's Integrated Defence Staff is the coordinating agency for the humanitarian mission.

India is dispatching the Indian ll-76 with relief supplies to the affected areas tomorrow.

"There are numerous offers, and there are a lot of countries that want to help. We have 90-plus offers of assistance from around the world," State Department spokesman Sean McCormack said.

He said Germany is sending high-speed pumps to remove water out of the city of New Orleans. The Netherlands is offering assistance in rebuilding levees to keep the water out.

Aid has been offered from Italy, Mexico, the United Kingdom and Canada, McCormack said. NATO is offering to provide meals ready to eat.

Disaster relief experts from the United Nations and the European Union are working with their counterparts in the US Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance in the Agency for International Development.
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Thanks & rgds.

Rajan.

-----------------------------------------------------------------
Let's make India a better place !