December 26, 2004
Massive Earth Quake Followed by Tsunami
Update 12/26/04 11:12pm (pst). There are now over 14,000 dead with hundreds of thousands displaced. The concern now is disease from contaminated water supplies and flood sewage systems. There are also the expected immediate needs. The International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent have issued an appeal. I believe that Northwest Medical Teams is also sending personnel and medical supplies. Both should soon be listing for donations specifically for the affected areas.
An 8.9 magnitude earth quake hit in the ocean off of Aceh in Indonesia. It was followed by a massive tsunami affecting a tremendously wide area (Indonesia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, India, Sumatra, Burma, Bangladesh, and possibly Somalia). Seven thousand people are assumed dead at this point, but the toll is rising dramatically. The links below from the BBC, provide news and video of the ongoing disaster.
Sea surges kill thousands in Asia,
Video,
Pictures,
Map of affected area
There is no question as to the magnitude of this tradgedy of nature, the death is so blatant. I just don't understand why the majority of AAmerican voters (to the best of our knowledge) can't see the same tragic loss of life for oil.
Posted by: Bill Whitlatch at December 26, 2004 9:09 AMI spent Christmas at the coast of Oregon, in a small motel in Yahats with a group of friends and all of our dogs. Speaking with a friend on the cell phone heading home today (we'd been quite isolated), I told her about the vivid and disturbing "tidal wave" dream I had last night. Imagine my horror when she told me about what had happened. At first I thought she was pulling my leg, she thought I was pulling hers ... I wish we'd both just been joking with each other.
Bush promised humanitarian aid, and I think we should offer it ... but I wonder from where the funds will be drawn?
Rowan, if you find out what small things we can do (and I will look into this tomorrow), please share any links with us.
Posted by: Pamela at December 26, 2004 6:26 PMThe death toll has risen to 23000 and expected to go higher. The ICRC is taking donations
12/27/04 BBC, Asia battles earthquake aftermath - 23,000 dead
12/27/04 BBC, Many missing as waves hit Africa
Posted by: rowan at December 27, 2004 6:26 AMDesejo manifestar meus sentimentos de pesar por todos aqueles que sofreram com este desastre.
Posted by: Bruno Soutilha at December 27, 2004 2:05 PMI found this audio link from NPR talking about who is seeking aid: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=4245789
I didn't have a chance today, but tomorrow I am going to call our local chapter of the Red Cross and see if there are specific things they are seeking (i.e. blankets, soap, toothbrushes, etc.). I'll let you know what I find out.
On a separate note, I am worried about our friend Matthew Maavak. Rowan, have you heard from him? I sent an e-mail but have not yet heard back.
Posted by: Pamela at December 27, 2004 11:24 PMHere are some more contacts to organizations providing emergency relief:
12/28/04 Wa. Post, How to Help Disaster Victims also CNN
Posted by: rowan at December 27, 2004 11:37 PMI can already tell you that what they need is money - and probably trained personnel. It costs too much to ship goods there. Most things they try to purchase as close to the impacted area as possible. This has the side benefit of pouring much needed money into the area's damaged economy.
I have been in communication with Mathew. He is fine. He was heading back home today - which is near one of the areas hit - from a brief trip to western India. I believe he will be in touch as soon as feasible. That may take a while if the power and phones are down in his area.
Posted by: rowan at December 27, 2004 11:55 PM