Indonesia Deaths Around 79,940 After Tsunami-Officials

Reuters ^ | Thu, Dec 30, 2004

[Grzegorz 246]

JAKARTA (Reuters) - The death toll in Indonesia's quake and tsunami-devastated northern Sumatra island has risen sharply to 79,940, health ministry officials said on Thursday.

Two separate officials told Reuters the new toll from last Sunday's quake, and said it would be announced on Friday morning at a news conference.

"The new toll has reached 79,940 killed in the disaster," one of the officials said on condition of anonymity.

He said the head of the ministry's center for handling health problems, which is responsible for the official count, had just signed off on the new figure.

The previous official toll was 52,000 dead, almost all in Aceh province on the northern tip of Sumatra, but rescue workers said many towns and villages had yet to be reached and the toll could rise dramatically.

[SolutionsOnly]

The media can lighten up on the body count articles. We all know the numbers will continue to grow. We do not need hourly updates on body counts. Why don't they get off their lazy duffs and do some real reporting?

[Grzegorz 246]

I agree. I think that it may be even more than half million, the worst disaster in the modern history of mankind. US government sent $35 million, more than any other country, but anyway not enough, it should be at least $350 million from US, $350 million from EU etc.

[commonguymd]

I think we will - but much will be in private donations. We shouldn't be measured in our giving mearly by the government contribution but by the giving nature most of which will be voluntary by way of charities such as the Red Cross, the Salvation Army, Doctors without Borders, Christian relief groups, etc....

I am certain we will give more, but I am tiring of the rhetoric on how much we pledge when we are and will be the most active and most giving country. I am very tired of being measured by merely what the government contributions are and that the private donations do not count.

The president doesn't have the power to give money away - a fundamental misunderstanding of a Republic form of government. The Congress has spending authority - the president can use allocated funds only.

Sheezzzzzz

[seeking1tim611]

We have given a lot and more is needed, but we have not given the most. That's not to say we are stingy because 35 million is our initial aid money wise, but Canada has promised 40 and Spain has already started sending 68 to create personal accounts for the victims. Places like Japan, Australia, and even Saudi Arabia are also increasing their amounts, so Europe and other countries are getting better.

[Grzegorz 246]

Financial Donations You can help those affected by the floods and countless other crises 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. Donate online or call toll free 1-800-HELP NOW (1-800-257-7575 for Spanish speakers) or you can mail in your gift to the American Red Cross International Response Fund, P. O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013.

To Donate Online



AmeriCares is preparing emergency relief flights that will focus on bringing medicines and medical supplies, water purification treatments and other types of assistance to the affected areas. Reports indicate that more than 50,000 people have been killed by powerful tsunamis caused by a 9.0 earthquake near Sumatra. Indonesia, Sri Lanka and India have the greatest number of casualties, and the death toll is expected to grow even higher.
Your donation is essential and will be applied to relief efforts in this crisis

To Donate Online




Emergency: Earthquake in South Asia December 27, 2004 In response to the earthquake and tsunamis that have devastated parts of South Asia over the past weekend, Doctors Without Borders/Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) is preparing to provide emergency assistance to people affected by the disaster. MSF is readying a full charter of relief supplies for the area of Indonesia closest to the epicentre of the earthquake.
In addition, MSF medical teams are on the ground in Sri Lanka, Thailand, India, Malaysia, Bangladesh, and Myanmar assessing emergency needs and offering assistance. MSF field teams in all countries where MSF is present, including Somalia and Kenya, are also investigating damage from the disaster.

To Donate Online

[commonguymd]

This reminds me of the old playground ritual: My dad is bigger than your dad. My dad can beat up your dad.

Nonsense.

[11th_VA]

the worst disaster in the modern history of mankind

Some more perspective:

Twentieth Century Death Tolls (by War):

40. Indonesia - Aceh (1976- )

Secessionist revolt

Ploughshares 2000: over 10,000 since 1989

19 May 2003 AP: >12,000

13 May 2003 Jakarta Post: 15,000

25 March 2001 New Straits Times (Malaysia): >70,000 killed or reported missing

[McGavin999]

If you send all the money up front, much will be wasted or stolen. The money that was sent immediately is to bring immediate relief while the assessment of long term damage is made.

We have learned not to just give unlimited money to aid agencies (especially the UN) because the money will go for first class tickets to exotic places for "conferences" rather than for food for the hungry.

[seeking1tim611]

You're right, most of the countries are doing that and are reacting to each other that way, but I hope they keep doing it. These people need our help, so some competition could help get them the money they really need.

[MissAmericanPie]

They have topped the total dead at over 100,000. Wonder how many there are left to aid in these areas, but it's irresponsible to just throw money given the corruption of the U.N.

The survivers need immediate fresh water, meds, food, shelter, doctors. The money does not need to be slipped into the pocket of some scum politician in these nations.

It takes time and co-ordination to get aid to so many different areas. The U.S. and it's newer allies have a better system to do that than the U.N. and corrupt elements in the Red Cross.

[commonguymd]

Unfortunately the global picture of American generosity will never be reported now or at any time.

Here is an interesting tidbit of information on how the USA works. Here is an exerpt:

When other official government and private assistance are added to this $44.5 billion, the United States moves far ahead in the total amount of resources provided to developing countries. So Americans have not given up on foreign aid. They have simply found new channels through which they can express their compassion for less fortunate people abroad. Official government aid has been displaced by a rising tide of private giving with significantly lower transaction costs, more client-directed services, and more willingness to cede ownership to recipients.

http://www.usaid.gov/fani/ch06/usassistance.htm

And here is the total contributions to private charities form an article I found:

Gifts to the top 400 charities accounted for nearly a fifth of the $241 billion given to all U.S. charities last year. Nearly 90 percent of donations come from individuals, Palmer said, with the rest from foundations and companies.

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2003/06/24/national/main560206.shtml

[PhilipFreneau]

>> We have given a lot and more is needed, but we have not given the most.

Welcome to Free Republic, newbie, and thanks for the numbers. You forgot to add that many of the logistical ships, planes and vehicles will be provided by the United States. Also, the United States pays more than all other nations put together to keep the free world FREE! It gives us a good feeling to know we live in the most generous nation on earth.

[seeking1tim611]

I did mention in that post that I was referring only to money. I am glad that we are giving as much as we are and I am glad that Americans are willing to share what we have to help get not only much needed aid, but much needed freedom allover the world. It is very sad to see how little countries give overall, but we have to give them a little bit of credit for making at least a step in the right direction, no matter how small. I have a lot of problems with some of the European countries and even more with the UN, but if the are actually willing to help, we need to encourage it, these people really need it.

[Natural Law]

The last thing we should do is permit the local governments to administer the relief work. These are some of the most corrupt entities on the planet. Indonesia, a muslim country that tacitly supports terrorism and actively participates in anti-Christian genocide is undoubtedly the most corrupt government I have ever ever encountered. I have traveled extensively in Southeast Asia for over 30 years in connection with the semiconductor and electronics industries. In Indonesia one has to pay the government officials at every level; you have to pay them to do their job or pay them to not do their job. Either way it costs you. Add this to the UN's presence and the victims will only be further victimized.

[PhilipFreneau]

It is very sad to see how little countries give overall, but we have to give them a little bit of credit for making at least a step in the right direction, no matter how small.

Get a clue, sonny. The United States is the most generous nation in the history of the world. There is nothing to be sad about the United States. There is, however, much to be sad about when referring to the unimaginable corruption that exists within the United Nations and its supporting surrogates, such as China, Russia, France, Germany, etc.. Thank God that President Bush is bypassing the U.N. to ensure the full amount of U.S. and coalition aid will reach those in need, instead of lining the pockets of Kofie's Kronies.