Province Contributes $100,000 to Earthquake Relief

On behalf of all Nova Scotians, the provincial government is contributing $100,000 to the Canadian Red Cross to help victims of the Oct. 8 earthquake in South Asia.

An estimated 40,000 people have been killed, tens of thousands injured, and more than two million have lost their homes.

"The earthquake has had a devastating impact and all Nova Scotians feel the terrible loss, especially in the deaths of so many children," said Premier John Hamm. "This is a gesture from Nova Scotians to the survivors and an attempt to help the vital relief and rebuilding effort."

The money will help provide the survivors with food, shelter, first aid, basic health care and medical supplies.

"Nova Scotia is already home to many people from the South Asian region that was affected by this terrible disaster. We know there are more than 100 families from Pakistan alone in our province," said the premier.

"While we have a feeling of helplessness when, again, watching from afar a tragedy of such immense proportions, we, too, want to lend a hand."

The flags above Province House have also been lowered to half-mast out of respect for the victims.

Nova Scotians who would like to donate to relief efforts may contact the Canadian Red Cross at 1-800-418-1111 or visit the Canadian International Development Agency website at www.acdi-cida.gc.ca for a list of other established charities.