(Compiled by Tzu Chi Headquarters
on Dec. 28, 2004)
The devastating tsunamis resulting from the magnitude-9.0
earthquake off the coast of Sumatra, Indonesia, on Dec.
26, 2004 impacted countries along several thousand miles
of coastline of the Indian Ocean. Affected countries included
Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India, Thailand, Malaysia, Burma,
the Maldives, Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia and
Tanzania.
The total known deaths is approaching 50,000. But because
of the vast areas affected and the interruption of communication,
the actual death toll could reach 85,000.
The energy released by this earthquake was the equivalent
to that of 16,000 nuclear bombs. This earthquake was
so powerful that it moved Sumatra 30 meters and disturbed
the rotation of the earth.
The United Nations has asked many private organizations
and government agencies for help, and has planned emergency
relief efforts. Bodies everywhere are rapidly decaying
and polluting drinking water. The United Nations is
concerned that epidemics may erupt within days.
Tzu Chi's major relief activities:
Taiwan
The Taiwan Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation will dispatch
a medical team to Sri Lanka on Dec. 29. The team is
composed of 36 people from various units, including
15 medical personnel (two will be from Singapore), eight
volunteers from Taiwan and Singapore, 11 media reporters
and two Tzu Chi staff members.
Malaysia
Relief work was conducted on seven routes in Penang
and Kedah. Number of volunteers participated: 150. Emergency
cash and relief goods (including daily necessities,
mats, bean powder, instant noodles) were distributed
to 282 households. Hot vegetarian foods were supplied
at two disaster areas in Penang. Number of hot meals
served: 390. Bread rolls served: 300.
In Kedah, seven medical personnel affiliated with the
Tzu Chi International Medical Association treated some
100 victims at a free clinic. The disaster incurred
stress on the victims. Some victims have high blood
pressure, while others suffer skin problems. Tomorrow
the volunteers will continue to distribute relief supplies
in Penang and Kedah and will go to remote areas to survey
the situation there.
Indonesia
Five volunteers brought 12 tons of relief goods to Aceh
from Jakarta aboard an F-28 aircraft. They left Jakarta's
Halim airport at 4 a.m. on Dec. 28. The relief materials
airlifted to Aceh included:
| Item |
Quantity |
| Instant noodles |
25 boxes |
| Towel, toothbrush and toothpaste package |
500 packages |
| Aspirin pills |
20,000 small cases |
| Skin ointment |
256 tubes |
| Medical ointment |
248 bottles |
| Sheets |
185 |
| Rice |
1 ton |
| Raincoat |
50 sets |
| Boots |
10 pairs |
|
Other relief goods waiting for immediate shipment to
Banda Aceh include 50 boxes of instant noodles, 19 bags
of sheets and 40 bags of rice.
Tzu Chi volunteers' accounts: Residents
in Banda Aceh remained in a panic, fearing the coming
of another earthquake and tsunami. Trash and corpses
were seen everywhere on the streets. Communications
with outside were suspended. The survivors are in short
of food supplies. The most attractive mosque in the
city has become a place for placing bodies.
Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono visited
the disaster areas in Aceh on Monday. He promised that
the government will do whatever it can to rebuild the
ravaged province. International relief materials began
to pour in today.
The relief activities by other Taiwan organizations:
- The Foundation of Medical Professionals Alliance
in Taiwan launched “Sending Love to South Asia”
fundraiser.
- Taiwan Red Cross sent 300 sleeping bags to Indonesia
today.
- World Vision-Taiwan decided to provide NT$8 million
(US$250,000) each to Indonesia and Sri Lanka for purchasing
emergency relief supplies locally.
- The first group of the government's research and
rescue team departed Taipei for Medan today.
- A medical team organized by the Taiwan Root Medical
Peace Crops plans to depart for Sri Lanka on Dec.
29.
Relief Briefing
from Tzu Chi Malaysia Chapter
(Dec. 26-Jan. 1)
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