58 : RIGHTS OF THE VULNERABLE 2) The Gujarat Quake Affected 6.11 The catastrophic earthquake that devastated large areas of Gujarat on 26 January 2001 was the second occasion on which the Commission intervened, motu, in the immediate aftermath of a major natural disaster. The first such occasion was in the wake of the super-cyclone that struck the coastal districts of Orissa on 2930 October 1999. 6.12 As on that occasion, the Commission considered it imperative to take the initiative to ensure that the rights of the affected population — especially the most vulnerable groups — were protected in the aftermath of the calamity and that the most disadvantaged did not become the least assisted in the wake of the tragedy. 6.13 Thus, immediately after the earthquake, the Commission directed its Special Representative, Shri R G. J. Nampoothiri, stationed in Ahmedabad, to report to it on the relief and rehabilitation measures being undertaken in that State, so as to enable the Commission to take steps, if necessary, to issue appropriate directions or guidelines to the concemed authorities of the Central or State Government for the purpose of facilitating the performance of the tasks that were required to be undertaken. 6.14 The Commission also decided to monitor the rehabilitation measures and, for this purpose, deputed its Secretary General to visit the affected areas and report back to it The Secretary General, accordingly, visited the State immediately thereafter and submitted an interim report to the Commission. As the present reporting period came to a close, the Secretary General was imdertaking a longer visit to the area and holding discussions with the officials of the State Government and NGO representatives in Gandhinagar and Ahmedabad. 6.15 Pending the issuance of its detailed report on the situation, together with specific directions, the Commission expressed its deep sense of sorrow and concern at the unprecedented loss of life and property that had resulted from the catastrophic earthquake. The Commission took note of the actions being undertaken by the Central Government, the Government of Gujarat, various other State Governments, other nations, and national and international NGOs to provide immediate relief. The Commission stated that it was aware of the daunting task of rehabilitation that lay ahead, and observed that it was essential that the governmental machinery involved in rehabilitation should be able to take all the steps necessary to ensure the equitable distribution of both relief and rehabilitation assistance. The Commission emphasised NATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION