Satinder Bindra: Earthquake rescue efforts a race against time

CNN's New Delhi Bureau Chief Satinder Bindra is in the city of Ahmedabad, a financial center 300 to 400 kilometers east of the Indian earthquake's epicenter.

Q: What's it like where you are?

BINDRA: At least 50 high-rises are damaged. The western part of India has had serious damage. The last major earthquake was in 1993 when 7,500 people died.

The sad part is that unlike Western nations, such as the United States and Canada, buildings are not earthquake-proof. In the West, kids are taught what to do in case of an earthquake. Here it is pretty simple and basic. You are pretty much at the mercy of nature. Poor countries cannot afford the luxuries.

Q: What are the most critical concerns?

VIDEO

CNN's Satinder Bindra has more on the devastating earthquake that hit India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nepal

Play video
(QuickTime, Real or Windows Media)

AUDIO

CNN's Satinder Bindra: Death rate increasing by the hour

180K/32 sec.
AIFF or WAV sound

ALSO

MESSAGE BOARD

India quake

Airports have survived without serious damage. This is good news because doctors and medical relief supplies are arriving. Relief efforts are approaching something looking organized. Doctors have been completely caught off-guard.

Q: What are the people being told?

BINDRA: The situation is still dangerous. People are being told not to go indoors. Authorities are warning people with loudspeakers to stay outdoors. They say there is still a chance of aftershocks.

Thousands are out in the cold. The danger has clearly not passed. The temperature is 50 or 60 degrees Fahrenheit. At night it gets colder.

Q: How are people responding to the tragedy?

BINDRA: Groups of people are trying to foster a sense of community by taking care of the elderly and sick. They are trying to reach out to their own. They are encouraged by the arrival of supplies.