US Response to Indian Ocean Earthquake and Tsunamis

Earthquake/Tsunami Updates / Daily Fact Sheets

The State Department has established a toll-free number for inquiries about U.S. citizens affected by the Asian earthquake and tsunamis. In the U.S., the number to call is 888-407-4747. Overseas, people may call 317-472-2328.

India

The aftermath of the Indian Ocean tsunamis continues to unfold. In India, immediate relief efforts are proceeding well, particularly in more accessible areas, such as the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Still, tens of thousands of people are suffering with grief from lost loved ones, loss of property and livelihoods, and the trauma of the events.

Tsunami Response: Update - PDF (24 Jan 05)
Press Release (24 Jan 05)
Shelters and Clean Water Among Priorities (18 Jan 05)
Update - PDF (15 Jan 05)
Press Release (11 Jan 05)
Press Release (10 Jan 05)

Country Profile: India - PDF

Indonesia

The USG has provided $30.9 million in direct humanitarian assistance to Indonesia in response to the earthquake and tsunami disaster, in addition to military assistance and support.

Tsunami Response:
Update - PDF (25 Jan 05)

Photo: USAID Shows Communities How to Use Water Purifying Kits (18 Jan 05)
Update - PDF (12 Jan 05)

Country Profile: Indonesia - PDF

Sri Lanka

Psychosocial counseling is one type of activity funded by USAID in Sri Lanka. At the Seenigama Temple camp, these
these girls dance like the waves of the sea and sing that although the sea took their homes and families, they will not let the sea defeat them.

Tsunami Response:
First Steps: Clearing the Rubble - PDF (18 Jan 05)
Drama Helps Children Cope with Trauma - PDF (18 Jan 05)

Country Profile: Sri Lanka - PDF

Thailand

This photo shows Red Cross supplies at the City Hall Disaster Relief Center that Secretary Powell and Governor Bush visited in Phuket, Thailand.

Country Profile: Thailand - PDF

President Bush Thanks USAID Employees and NGO Leaders
(10 Jan 05)

"A little more than two weeks ago, the world witnessed one of the worst displays of natural destruction in history. Since that time, the world has witnessed one of history's greatest displays of compassion.

Most of you are members of this great organization, the United States Agency for International Development. Some of you are members of non-governmental organizations. All of you are playing an important role in that compassionate response. The world has taken notice, and the American people are grateful." [full text]

Secretary of State Colin Powell Visits Tsunami Areas
(2 Jan - 9 Jan 05)

USAID/Indonesia Mission Director William Frej, USAID Conflict Team Leader Michael Bak and IOM Officer Kristen Dadey provide situation analysis to Secretary Powell on his visit to the airport in Banda Aceh, Indonesia, the hub for relief supplies to the province. Powell also visited disaster areas in Thailand, India and Sri Lanka.

State Department summary
Photos: Sec. Powell in S. Asia
Photos: Relief Assistance

ANE AA James R. Kunder Participates in Briefing on the U.S. Government Relief Efforts in Asia
(3 Jan 05)

James R. Kunder, Assistant Administrator for Asia and the Near East and former Director of USAID's Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance, stated in an early January briefing to the press that USAID's immediate focus is to define urgent needs, mobilize resources, and coordinate distribution of those resources. [full text]

White House Statement on Bay of Bengal Earthquake and Tidal Waves
(26 Dec 04)

On behalf of the American people, the President expresses his sincere condolences for the terrible loss of life and suffering caused by the earthquake and subsequent tsunamis in the region of the Bay of Bengal.

The United States stands ready to offer all appropriate assistance to those nations most affected including Sri Lanka, the Maldives, Thailand, and Indonesia, as well as the other countries impacted. Already relief is flowing to Sri Lanka and the Maldives. We will work with the affected governments, the United Nations, non-governmental organizations, and other concerned states and organizations to support the relief and response to this terrible tragedy.

Again, we extend our sincere condolences to all the people of the region at this time of suffering. [full text ]

Domestic Observers Watch Over Palestinian Elections

Marking the beginnings of a democratic electoral tradition, domestic observers fanned out across the West Bank and Gaza on January 9 as Palestinians took to the polls to elect a new leader. [read story ]