Quake aftermath

Virtual relief

By Our Special Correspondent

CHENNAI, FEB. 1. The VSNL has offered free internet accounts linked to donations to the Prime Minister's Relief Fund in the context of the Gujarat earthquake. It starts with a 100-hour free internet offer for Rs. 5,000.

For contributions from Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 9,999, the donor will get 100 hours free; from Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 19,999, 250 free hours; from Rs. 20,000 to Rs. 99,999, 500 hours; and for Rs. 1 lakh and above, 1000 hours of free internet. The offer can be availed before February 28, and forms can be had at http://online.vsnl.com.

Husain paints for victims

KOLKATA, FEB. 1. Celebrity artist, M.F. Husain, today put on bid the first of his series of paintings on the earthquake to raise funds for the quake victims. Themed `Gujarat 2001', the red and black oil painting, fetched him Rs. 10 lakhs.

The sum would be donated to the Prime Ministers' Relief Fund.

- PTI

LIC concessions

MUMBAI, FEB. 1. The LIC Housing Finance Ltd. (LICHF) has announced concessions to its housing loan accounts in Gujarat and reduced the interest rate under the `Griha Sudhar Scheme'.

The equated monthly installments (EMI) due in February, March and April period can now be paid in May, June and July 2001, respectively without any additional or penal interest. - PTI

Hams prove invaluable

CHENNAI, FEB. 1. The Gujarat earthquake saw total destruction, including disruption of communication links with the rest of the country.

Ham radio operators swung into action setting up emergency wireless communication stations in quake-hit areas and provided one of the first communication links.

About 30 Hams from Hyderabad, Mumbai and Bangalore rushed to Gujarat to help the local authorities with their own equipment. Emergency stations are operating from the residence of the Chief Minister, Collectorate of Bhuj, and from Anjar, Bachau and Ahmedabad.

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