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Oil industry launches immediate relief for Tsunami affected areas

New Delhi, December 27, 2004 :

Oil PSUs have swung into action to provide succour to the people affected by Tsunami tidal waves in the affected areas of Tamilnadu, Andhra Pradesh and Pondicherry. IOC, BPCL, HPCL & ONGC together have distributed over 28,000 food packets/food articles on the same day the tidal waves devastated these states/UT. In addition to the food articles, these companies dispatched medical teams with ambulances and arranged tents, clothes, free fuels for vehicles used for transporting victims as well as relief materials to the victims at different places. This was revealed at a review meeting taken by Shri Mani Shankar Aiyar, Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas & Panchayati Raj late night yesterday at Chennai. Relief measures on a war-footing have been undertaken at Chennai, Cuddalore, Nagapattinam, Colachel, Tuticori, Akkur and Sembanar Koil in Tamilnadu, Ongole, Vizag and Krishna district in Andhra Pradesh and Pondy & Karaikkal in Pondicherry.

Speaking to the officials, Shri Aiyar impressed upon them the need for further stepping up of the efforts towards the noble cause of rendering all possible help to the calamity affected people, while he expressed satisfaction with the proactive steps being taken by the oil industry. The Minister asked the officials to remain in constant touch with State government officials and other agencies engaged in relief work.

Among the oil companies Indian Oil provided 10,200 food packets, besides BPCL (5,000), ONGC (5,000) & HPCL (3000). Indian Oil also rushed in 11 LPG delivery vans for transporting victims besides extending free fuel from its retail outlets at Pondy and Colachel. Senior IOC Officials numbering 15 are camping at all affected places to provide expeditious relief and coordinate with local agencies. Two medical teams with ambulances were rushed into service by ONGC at Nagai and two medical teams at Karaikal. Company also set up 500 tents at ONGC colony to act as rehabilitation centres. In addition, CPCL has provided shelter to 1000 people at Nagapatttinam, its employees rescued 50 people at Nariman Jetti and also provided four jeeps and ambulances.

In the affected coastal districts of Ongole, Visakh and Krishna of Andhra Pradesh, IOC and IBP officials are working in close coordination with district administration in providing relief and rescue to grief stricken people. Over 5,000 food packets were distributed in these districts.

Relief efforts are continuing and the oil industry personnel are spread out in the field extending help to the people affected by the calamity.

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