Big tidal surges for Western Australia next 24hrs

Herald Sun ^ | 28th December 2004

[Cobra64]

It's not a lack of intelligence, it's not a lack of technology. It's a lack of organisation in making sure that every nation in the region has people who are available for contact in such situation - basically offices that are manned around the clock to take these calls if they are made, with people on the other end of those phones who can either take action on their own authority or have the ability to immediately contact those who can. It could easily be done - it has been done all across the Pacific. But it has not been done in and around the Indian Ocean. It requires international agreements - and most nations weren't interested.

Okay. Then they should have a hot line to the UN. 1-800-KOFI-ANAN. Let's see who, whom, what, when resources are delivered. Get back to me when you see, or hear of any nation, other then The United States of America that will spend a dime for the disaster victims.

Do you think the French, Germans, the Japanese or any other countries will lift a finger?

[naturalman1975]

Well, sir, Australia has already committed $10 million - about $7.7 million in US terms to disaster relief. We have already sent two C-130 Hercules with aid overseas, and two more are due to leave tomorrow morning. The Prime Minister has said this is an initial pledge and more aid will be made available. At least $2 million from private (non-government) sources within Australia has also already been pledged.

So that's one country that is already sending money and already has aid on the ground.

If you believe that the US is the only country that provides disaster relief in emergencies, you are grossly ill informed.

[naturalman1975]

Current aid pledged by various countries to this disaster in US dollars.

Australia: $7.7 million - more will be committed.

United States: $15 million - more will be committed.

Japan: $30 million

China: $2.6 million

EU: $4 million (individual EU countries are also making donations)

New Zealand: $361,000

These are government donations (in many cases, private organisations within countries are also making donations), and are just those I am aware of, without having to look too far. Many of these donations are initial donations where there is an intention to provide more where needed (Australia and the US to my certain knowledge have said they will provide more).

Is the US doing a lot? Yes, it is - it's initial pledge is the second largest made so far and has been announced as only the start, and doesn't include non-government assistance.

Is it the only country doing so? No.

[Cobra64]

I stand corrected.

Now there is the little nuance about the 200+ BILLION DOLLARS the United States is spending fighting terrorism.

The USA spends $15 million a DAY just fueling our tanks and planes fighting terrorists.

And most on this planet, stands around wringing their hands.

Chirac, Schroder, Putin and the Canadian PM.

Few countries have any guts, other than the Brits and the Aussies to stand up.