By Maureen Fordham, March 2001 (Please click on the photographs for an enlarged version.)

Bhachau is now regarded as closer to the epicentre and thus the earthquake should be named after it. However, Bhuj was first believed to be the nearest and, as often happens, Bhuj is a bigger and more important settlement and thus the dubious reward is likely to remain here.	One is struck by the level of destruction here. So little is left.		Here the land has slipped and yet people are camped beneath. These tents must be moved before the monsoon rains come and possibly wash the the soil downslope.
		The electricity sub-station was damaged.	These men are employed by the electricity supply company and are thus tied to the area. They have sent their wives and children away to stay with relatives elsewhere.	They live together in this male enclave next to the sub-station. They say they are happy together, "sharing their sorrows." Asked if the people here want to stay and rebuild or relocate, they report it is about a 50:50 split.
This man is a forestry manager. He stands proudly outside his new house - blessed (inaugurated) just the day before the earthquake. The building has suffered some damage but is still reasonably sound.	The family (wife, children and mother) however sleeps in a tent close by and spends the day outside. They are afraid of the aftershocks and have lost truct in their house.
Everywhere children come and greet you. Genuinely pleased to see and talk to you.		They ask your name and introduce themselves, their siblings and friends.	As each new child comes along, they ask for their photographs to be taken as well.

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Go to:	1. Introduction	2. Ahmedabad	3. Limbdi	4. Navlakhi
5. Bhachau	6. Anjar	7. Bhuj	8. Kandala

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