News Release
HSBC Bank USA Helps the Red Cross Assist Victims of the Indian Earthquake
2 February 2001
HSBC Bank USA will be collecting donations in all of its branches for victims of the January 26 earthquake in India. All of the donations will be given to the American Red Cross, which will in turn send 100 percent of the amount collected to Red Cross relief operations in India. Those wishing to make a donation may do so by cash or check at any HSBC branch and will be given a receipt for their contribution.
“We want to make it as simple as possible for people to support the American Red Cross in assisting the victims of this horrific earthquake,” said Youssef A Nasr, president and CEO of HSBC Bank USA. “We also want to demonstrate our support for our Indian employees and customers, as well as for our colleagues at HSBC India. It is difficult for us to even comprehend the magnitude of this disaster.”
“Thanks to the actions of HSBC, the Red Cross will be able to continue assisting the thousands of victims left devastated by the earthquake that registered between 7.6 and 7.9 on the Richter scale,” said Kit Parker, financial development associate for New York State. “All of the money donated by the American public will go directly to aid the disaster victims.
“All American Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary donations of time and money from the American people,” Parker added.
India is still reeling from the devastating earthquake that struck on Friday, January 26, shaking the earth up to 1,200 miles away. Indian authorities predict that the death toll from the quake could rise above 20,000. Chief Minister Keshubjhai Patel, the top official in quake-ravaged Gujarat state, said that about 125,000 people remain unaccounted for following the country’s worst disaster in half a century.
The effects of this disaster are massive and widespread. The quake hit hardest in Gujarat state, devastating cities and towns and bringing more than 100 multistory buildings down. Some 35,000 people, mostly suffering broken bones and cuts, have jammed area hospitals, causing an urgent need for medical and other relief supplies. Many of the injured in the surrounding villages have been unable to make their way to a hospital. To further complicate matters, more than 250 aftershocks have jolted survivors and hampered relief efforts, with strong tremors of about 5.9 magnitude hitting the area on Sunday.
HSBC Bank USA is a leading financial services organization with combined assets of the bank and its U.S. holding company, HSBC USA Inc., of $87.1 billion. The organization is the third largest depository institution with the most extensive branch network in New York State. In addition to having more than 430 branches throughout New York, the institution has seven branches in Florida, two in Pennsylvania, three in California and 11 in Panama. HSBC USA Inc. is the 13th largest U.S. holding company in total assets and is an indirectly-held, wholly-owned subsidiary of HSBC Holdings plc (NYSE: HBC), which is headquartered in London.
With over 6,000 offices in 81 countries and territories, the HSBC Group is one of the world’s largest banking and financial services organizations.
All American Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary donations of time and money from the American people. To help the victims of this and other disasters, people may send contributions to the American Red Cross International Response Fund, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, D.C. 20013, or call 1-800-HELP-NOW or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish), or contact their local American Red Cross chapter. Internet users can make a secure online credit card contribution by visiting www.redcross.org and choosing International Response Fund as their option of giving.
