More quake tremors in India
Tremors lasting up to 30 seconds continued to shake India today, but no new damage was reported beyond minor cracks in buildings.
A 4.3-magnitude quake was centred 20 miles from Bangalore, a city 850 miles southeast of the epicentre of Friday’s quake near Bhuj.
Authorities there closed schools and colleges after the tremor.
Survivors complained today that confusion and a lack of equipment was hampering search efforts. Rescuers lacked cranes, bulldozers and generators for lights, making night work impossible.
In neighbouring Pakistan, army ruler General Pervez Musharraf told the state-run news agency that India, its longtime rival, had refused an offer of Pakistani aid. As many as 18 people died in Pakistan.
Today, a grim-faced Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee surveyed the devastation from a military helicopter before touching down for a closer look.
Residents in Bhuj bemoaned the lack of equipment that would have allowed round-the-clock rescue.
‘‘This is emergency duty. They should work round the clock,’’ said Pradeep Sheth, 46, who was rescued from under the rubble after seven hours. His wife, mother and two daughters were still trapped in the debris.
‘‘Look at the soldiers. They have no equipment, no cutter. How will they clear the slabs? With their bare hands?’’ said Sheth, a printer. ‘‘There are live people trapped inside. We can hear their sounds.’’
Prime Minister Vajpayee has appealed for Indians to contribute, ‘‘no matter how small the amount,’’ to help earthquake victims.
He said international and federal emergency funds would not be enough, and noted ordinary Indians had helped the government meet the challenge of previous natural disasters.
