Mercy Corps acting quickly to aid survivors

Massive Earthquake and Tsunamis Devastate Southern Asia

April 13, 2005

Photo: Photo: Cassandra Nelson/Mercy Corps

Photo: Cassandra Nelson/Mercy Corps

Mercy Corps emergency workers are deployed across three devastated countries - India, Indonesia and Sri Lanka - and helping lead relief efforts in what's being called "the largest humanitarian operation in history."

Your immediate donation will help us continue and expand our operations during this unprecedented crisis.

The most powerful earthquake in more than 40 years wrought widespread destruction across Southern Asia on Sunday, December 26, triggering huge tsunamis that have killed over 212,000 people. Millions of people throughout the region have been been displaced and left homeless as a result of the sudden catastrophe.

Mercy Corps needs your help as it mounts a lifesaving response to this tragic disaster. At this moment, over 100 Mercy Corps emergency team members are on the ground in affected areas.

(You can read updated situation reports from the field by clicking here. You can also follow news coverage of Mercy Corps' relief efforts by clicking here and see a map illustrating where we're working here.)

On the morning of December 26, an earthquake measuring 9 in magnitude struck near the coast of Sumatra, Indonesia, unleashing waves over 30 feet high. These deadly waves moved quickly inland, striking coastal cities throughout the region and burying entire communities under raging floodwaters.

Across the region, the destruction is unthinkable. Contaminated water and disease are placing thousands of survivors at risk, further complicating the relief effort. Families across Southern Asia, stricken by disaster, need your help to recover and rebuild - many have lost everything.

Here’s what we know at this hour:

  • Across Indonesia, more than 166,300 people have perished so far. The majority of these deaths are in Aceh Province, on the island of Sumatra.
  • Sri Lankan officials confirm a death toll of over 29,600, but fear that it will rise to well above that number. In addition, millions are homeless as a result of the disaster.
  • In India, more than 10,100 have been killed by tidal waves that ravaged the southern coast.
  • In Thailand, nearly 5,400 people were killed and hundreds more are still missing.
Photo: Powerful tsunamis created by the earthquake wreaked widespread havoc throughout the region.  Graphic: Reuters

Powerful tsunamis created by the earthquake wreaked widespread havoc throughout the region. Graphic: Reuters

Mercy Corps has the experience and expertise to take decisive action for survivors of this disaster: the organization has been in many areas of Southern Asia, including India and Indonesia, for years. Staff from a Mercy Corps-sponsored school feeding program in Padang, Indonesia (on the island of Sumatra) were well-positioned to mount an immediate response and be one of the first teams to enter the Banda Aceh and Meulaboh areas.

According to Steve Claborne, Mercy Corps Director of Program Operations, emergency operations are focusing on providing shelter and essential items such as kitchen utensils to survivors. Immediate needs include health supplies and services, water purification materials, rebuilding of water and sanitation facilities, food, trauma counseling, clean up and access to basic services. Mercy Corps is also working with local organizations to ensure that the long-term needs of children and families are being met.

As the relief phase gives way to rebuilding of tsunami-affected communities, Mercy Corps plans on remaining in these three countries to offer help, hope and innovative solutions in the coming months.

Today, we need your generous, timely donations to offer life-changing aid and assistance to those whose lives have been wrecked by this terrible disaster.

Please give today to save lives.

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