Leverkusen-The Bayer Group is continuing to assist victims of the Asian flood disaster, with donations of cash and especially medicines now totalling about Euro 10 million ($13.5 million). Following initial spontaneous donations to the value of some Euro 500 000 made at the end of December, Bayer is now helping to meet the relief organisations' need for medicines to treat flood victims and aid workers.As soon as news was received of the widespread destruction wrought by the tsunamis, Bayer mounted relief efforts at local level in India, Indonesia and Thailand. The company is now stepping up its commitment by donating medicines and other supplies in response to specific requirements of international relief organisations. For example, Bayer HealthCare is sending antibiotics, pain relievers and cardiovascular drugs to treat people in the stricken areas, and Bayer CropScience is supplying products to combat the insects that spread diarrhoeal infections, malaria and other hemorrhagic fevers.In a third step, Bayer will join in providing long-term assistance with reconstruction work in the affected regions. Specific projects will be discussed and coordinated with its companies in the region in the coming months. Bayer also plans to give its employees the opportunity to contribute further to these relief measures.Bayer employs about 5700 people in India, Indonesia and Thailand, which are among the most severely affected countries. They, too, are helping their fellow-citizens by donating money, technical assistance and clothing and by assisting directly with relief operations in the devastated areas."
