Tsunami is SE Asia

[kestra]

I just can't believe the death toll over SE Asia. Over 60 000 is the most recent count.
I spent nearly 2 months living in Krabi province in southern Thailand in a gorgeous area, about 2 hours from Phuket. I got to know the locals and business owners.
Now I hear that their homes, businesses and beaches were I used to climb are all destroyed and washed away.

It's really, really sad. Myself and the friends that I made there really loved that area, and treated it like our own (even though we were clearly tourists).

Think of the most beautiful place you've ever been, a place that meant so much to you, being destroyed.
Sure, it'll grow back eventually, and people will rebuild, but something has definitely been taken away.

[Jarkis]

I urge all to give support to the various relief efforts that are being sent here. Though my country was unaffected, I was in Malaysia during the Tsunami and I caught a glimpse of the devastation. I saw so many displaced and they were just wandering around aimlessely.

My family was heading to Pinang Island but we were delayed at the hotel down south. Once we were leaving and driving up North, we saw police barricades asking us to turn back. We saw all sorts of people leaving the area. Lucky ones had cars and motorbikes, while most of the villagers walked on land.

It must be worst in Aceh (Indonesia) and Sri Lanka, where the infrastructure is really bad.

Another thing that concerns me is the water-borne diseases. If aid is not received sufficiently and clean water is not distributed in time, more causualities can be expected.

I am also grateful that Europe, Australia, the Pope and the USA is giving aid, physically and spiritually, in such a crisis as this. Through such disasters the best of humanity can be seen.

[kshaar]

First, my wishes go out for the people in every region affected by this earthquake/tsunami incident.

I've heard on various news channels that the entire island of Sumatra (from a GPS standpoint) has been moved 90 feet. I've also heard the death toll may hit 100,000 before its all over.

Trying to look at this more positively, or at least luckier than it could have been, I was extremely surprised an earthquake that large and in such deep water didnt cause a much larger tsunami incident. I'm in no way trying to lessen the ordeal of the people of those regions. I'm only saying when you try to imagine a 9.0 earthquake in the deep ocean, I think most peolpe picture an event even worse than it was.

Again, my thoughts and prayers to people who live in or have family and friends in the regions affected. My christmas wish has changed, I wish for speedy aid and quick recovery for the people who need it.

[Raeghin]

There are so many places to contribute, even if its just $5. A litte bit adds up and can help so many. If you are interested and you just dont know where to go, start with the American Red Cross. You can donate here:

https://www.redcross.org/donate/donation-form.asp

You can also get more infomation on different info on groups that are helping at www.fema.com and go to Distaster help on the left menu.

Most contributions are tax deductable and you can get them in before 2005. Like I said, even a contribution of $5 or $10 can dollars can help out here. Tens of thousands have died but there are so many more alive, homeless, hurt and broken from this tragedy. (Good God...I sound like Sally Struthers )

Anyway, think about it.

[Jarkis]

Other then money, I suggest you can help by finding out ways you can contribute more hardier stuff, like clothes and blankets and obviously tin food. I have located Mercy Relief in my country. Its shipping volunteers to help out in the various affected countries. They are also calling for donations other then money.

Sometimes I feel these donations given are better then giving money. If you can, please find any organization that are shipping goods (Blankets,Clothes,Tin Food, etc) to the affected countries, please give generously. I have seen the the conditions myself and it doesn look good. And what I saw was the lucky ones in Malaysia and their government is able to handle the situation without international help.

In Indonesia is different. The magnitude of the damage is greater and the people poorer. Due to separatist rebels fighting the government, the whole affected area had been closed off, cutting essential roads and supply lines. Now that the place is open again, the infrastructure is not good enough to handle such a disaster. Aid from Australia alone will not be enough.

On a seperate issue. There was an arguement on aid and the amount. First of all, I think the people of the affected countries are glad that aid is being offered. It doesn't matter how much. As long as you pitch in and help, it will serve to help people out of a spot. Kudos to the Europeans, the Australians and the Americans.

[Raeghin]

I agree Jarkis but the problem is that most charitable and disaster relief groups will turn away goods, food, clothing, etc because it is difficult and costly to ship as opposed to monetary contribution. ANY kind of contribution or help is needed and that is the real point.

[Jarkis]

Originally posted by Raeghin
I agree Jarkis but the problem is that most charitable and disaster relief groups will turn away goods, food, clothing, etc because it is difficult and costly to ship as opposed to monetary contribution. ANY kind of contribution or help is needed and that is the real point.

I know. I should have made my point clearer. Sorry.

I meant that if you could find a charitable organization shipping out this goods to the affected countries, then donate.

Monetary donations are good also. And like I said. As long as you help. Its good enough.

[Salimar]

I happen to go to Thailand in the middle of January. I am going to a conference that I don't know if it will still happen as it is in Bangkok which has not been affected. My plans were to go to the South to Krabi and Koh PhiPhi afterwards for some diving but clearly things have changed now.

I think as Jarkis said, the best I can do is to bring clothes and food and perhaps to help directly. However, when I get there, who do I give the clothes to? how do I donate these things? How do I help directly?

I am still shocked with the news, so many people... best wishes for the affected and strength.

Salimar

[Jarkis]

Look for various collection centers in Bangkok, manned by Red Cross or Red Crescent. I think there should be other collection centers by various organizations. I suggest once you get there you can ask around.

I am not sure of the relief efforts in Thailand, but I am very sure it is very big and easily located. I will ask around and get more solid details.

[Aerdria]

Amazon makes it real easy to donate online through their American Red Cross disaster relief page: http://s1.amazon.com/exec/varzea/pay...867254-3980831

The information available from this page is as follows:

At least 80,000 people have lost their lives in East Africa and South Asia in the aftermath of the earthquake and resulting tsunamis on December 26. Thousands of people in Sri Lanka, India, Thailand, and Indonesia are still missing; many others have lost their homes and livelihoods. Sri Lanka and Indonesia suffered the highest number of deaths, but India, East Africa, Seychelles, Maldives, and Thailand were all affected by the tsunami waves, which reached as high as 20 feet. Aid workers and volunteers are focused on stopping the spread of disease and delivering food and drinking water to survivors. The American Red Cross reports that emergency assessment and first-aid teams were on the ground quickly and are already working with local groups to support relief efforts. Your financial donation will help provide medicine, clothing, food, and shelter for victims of the East Africa and South Asia earthquake and tsunami disaster. Thanks in advance for your participation during this critical time. The American Red Cross name is used with its permission. For more information about the American Red Cross, please call 1‑800 HELP NOW or e-mail info@usa.redcross.org.