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Red Cross, Red Crescent Rallies to Support Countries Devastated by Earthquake, Tsunami
By Lesly C. Hallman, Staff Writer, RedCross.org
Wednesday, December 29, 2004 — The death toll after this weekend’s earthquake and tsunamis has reached an unfathomable estimated 50,000 victims, and that toll may continue to rise as disaster relief teams from around the world arrive at devastated areas to assess the damage.
An Indian man holds his head as he sits atops the ruins of his house destroyed in a tsunami in Cuddalore, some 180 km south of the southern Indian city of Madras, December 27, 2004.
Reuters/Arko Datta, courtesy www.alertnet.org.
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Sunday’s 9.0 earthquake, the strongest on record in the world for the last forty years, struck the west coast of northern Sumatra, Indonesia in the morning, causing a tsunami that swept thousands to their deaths and destroyed coastlines thousands of miles away. The majority of the destruction centered in Sri Lanka, India, the Maldives, Indonesia, and Thailand, and tsunamis also caused massive damage along the east coast of Africa, including the Cocos Island and Somalia.
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) first appeal for donations, issued on Sunday, was quickly fulfilled. The American Red Cross is supporting the Federation’s efforts with a monetary contribution to the appeal, and basic materials needed for survival, and personnel.
At this time, the American Red Cross is not accepting International Disaster Welfare Inquiries (IDWIs) because all available resources of the affected national societies are focused on relief and recovery efforts.
Inquiries concerning U.S. citizens should be referred to the U.S. Department of State, Office of Overseas Citizens Services, at 1-888-407-4747. Washington, DC area residents may call 202-647-4000 and ask for the Consular Affairs Task Force. Note that these phone lines are frequently busy during the first days of a large disaster.
The International Committee of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies has updated its Family Links Page for those looking for information on family and friends affected by the Bay of Bengal earthquake and tsunamis. Please visit http://www.icrc.org/home.nsf/home/webfamilylinks for more information.
You can help those affected by this crisis and countless others around the world each year by making a financial gift to the American Red Cross International Response Fund, which will provide immediate relief and long-term support through supplies, technical assistance, and other support to those in need. Call 1-800-HELP NOW or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish). Contributions to the International Response Fund may be sent to your local American Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross International Response Fund, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013. Internet users can make a secure online contribution by visiting www.redcross.org.
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