Condolences to all who were affected by this

[Secretariat]

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story2&u=/ap/20041229/ap_on_re_as/quake_tidal_wave

[shanta]

I hope we do hear miracles of some people surviving.

I see the US, AUS, JPN have pledged 100 million dollars in aid. Curious to see what the UN and these other countries that like bashing us ACTUALLY contribute to help.They should have plenty of cash after the bribe taking in the "oil for food " scandal being investigated now.

Kofi,Koji,France,Germany,Russia,China what are u gonna do TO HELP??

Richie

[sq764]

I hope we do hear miracles of some people surviving.

I see the US, AUS, JPN have pledged 100 million dollars in aid. Curious to see what the UN and these other countries that like bashing us ACTUALLY contribute to help.They should have plenty of cash after the bribe taking in the "oil for food " scandal being investigated now.

Kofi,Koji,France,Germany,Russia,China what are u gonna do TO HELP??

Richie
After the UN said that, we should have come back with a figure around $0..

Stupid bastards have 60,000 dead and they are refusing aid from Israel.. Unreal

[ceejay]

This is just a horrible tragedy. The death toll seems to increase exponentially by the day.

The earthquake that spawned the Tsunami was mag 9.0, last I checked. That's the 4th-largest since 1900! http://neic.usgs.gov/neis/eqlists/10maps_world.html

I'm thinking that this earthquake occured in a back-arc setting. We obviously need to re-assess the earthquake potential in this type of setting.

[so.cal.fan]

Two of the men that work with my husband at Santa Anita go to Thailand often, one owns a home there.
He is over there now, thankfully we just heard from him. His only comment in an email
"we were very lucky".
The other man surfs, he was going this year but changed his mind for some reason and stayed here.....he would have been on the ocean..........
he told my husband that the Tsunami waves are twice as high as the Santa Anita grandstand! :eek:

[Tom]

They say the final deth toll could be two to three times what it is now, after the certain sickness that will be casue by the contaminated conditions. Truly a drastic trajecdy. I hope we do all we can to help. Perhaps we could re-direct some of the millions of dollars in "pork" to a good cause.
As for the UN calling us cheap, someone tie the miserable lying thief Koffi over a table and hand me a hot poker.

[sq764]

They say the final deth toll could be two to three times what it is now, after the certain sickness that will be casue by the contaminated conditions. Truly a drastic trajecdy. I hope we do all we can to help. Perhaps we could re-direct some of the millions of dollars in "pork" to a good cause.
As for the UN calling us cheap, someone tie the miserable lying thief Koffi over a table and hand me a hot poker.

Or just turn him over and see how many millions fall out of his pockets..

[JustRalph]

France has sent $136,000 bucks.......

Carl Lindner the owner of the Cincinnati Reds spent 200k to send a 747 over with aid.............he has sent more than France........can you believe it? I can........

[sq764]

France has sent $136,000 bucks.......

Carl Lindner the owner of the Cincinnati Reds spent 200k to send a 747 over with aid.............he has sent more than France........can you believe it? I can........
We still have people in Florida who are homeless from the hurricanes.. If $15 million is too ;stingy' then we should send all $35 mill to Florida to house our own people...

[ceejay]

France has sent $136,000 bucks.......
What is your source for this number?

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/afp_world/view/124763/1/.html reportsA number of EU capitals have already announced aid: 20 million from Germany, 15 million euros from France, 15 million pounds (21.3 million euros) from Britain.

[JustRalph]

What is your source for this number?

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/afp_world/view/124763/1/.html reports

4 different radio shows and two different news networks last night.

They announced the larger number today..........after being embarrassed.......

[shanta]

4 different radio shows and two different news networks last night.

They announced the larger number today..........after being embarrassed.......

Last night I saw those network news shows Ralph is talking about. I was shocked. Hey bringing things out into the light sure is gonna help those who need it.
Richie

[JustMissed]

Hey, JR wouldn't lie about this. Looks like France is giving about $175,000. Just about the losing tickets I threw away last year. Just love those Frogs.Hehehe


"Nations pledge tsunami aid
From correspondents in London
December 30, 2004

RESCUERS scoured coastlines around the Indian Ocean for survivors of Sunday's giant waves that killed tens of thousands. The United Nations mobilised what it called the biggest relief operation in its history.

The following is a list of contributions pledged, compiled from reports by Reuters bureaux and UN agencies.

AUSTRALIA: Increased its aid to $US27 million ($35 million) and said it, the United States, Japan and India were considering setting up a group to coordinate help. Also sent five air force transport planes with supplies and medical specialists to Sumatra, and two 15-member emergency medical teams and 12 police to Phuket.

AUSTRIA: Pledged 1 million euro ($1.75 million) in aid to the countries hit.

BELGIUM: Military plane due to stop at Dubai to load most of its cargo - UNICEF aid such as tents, vaccines.

BRITAIN: Pledged STG15 million ($37.2 million) to the devastated area and has sent plastic sheets and tents worth STG250,000 ($620,350) to Sri Lanka. Contributing STG370,000 ($918,110) to EU aid and $US100,000 ($128,500) to World Health Organisation.

CANADA: Initial contribution of $C1 million ($1.05 million) to appeal for $US6.5 million ($8.35 million) by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).

CHINA: Offering 21.6 million yuan ($3.3 million) of aid to India, Indonesia, Thailand, Sri Lanka and Maldives.

CZECH REPUBLIC: Sent planes to Sri Lanka and Thailand with drinking water and medicine, part of pledge of aid worth 10 million crowns ($573,120).

DENMARK: Increased aid pledge by maximum 85 million Danish crowns ($20.05 million) after spending almost all initial 10 million crowns pledged. Aid will cover immediate needs - medical supplies, food, water, shelter - and reconstruction.

UNICEF flight from its Copenhagen depot taking 45 tonnes of supplies to the area, including oral rehydration salts and medical supplies for 150,000 people for three months.

EGYPT: Egyptian Red Crescent Society sending a plane with 500,000 Egyptian pounds ($104,090) worth of medicine and other aid as initial step.

EUROPEAN UNION: Ready to release up to 30 million euro ($52.6 million) on top of 3 million euro ($5.25 million) already allocated to IFRC.

FINLAND: Pledged 2.5 million euro ($4.38 million) spread among World Food Program, UNICEF, WHO and IFRC. Local aid groups contributed further 75,000 euro ($131,370). Finnish Red Cross has sent a field hospital with 15 staff to Sri Lanka and 31 aid workers to Thailand.

FRANCE: Foreign Minister Michel Barnier in Sri Lanka, then Thailand. Has earmarked 100,000 euro ($175,160) for relief, sent 16 rescuers to Thailand, 10 tonnes aid to Sri Lanka.

GERMANY: Doubling emergency aid to 2 million euro ($3.5 million). Air force medical evacuation plane to set off for Phuket, two more planes chartered to take disaster relief teams, medicines and consular officials there. Germany's largest utility E.ON to donate 1 million euro ($1.75 million).

GREECE: Sending C-130 transport aircraft carrying 25 rescue workers to Phuket tomorrow to help with rescue operations.

Has sent plane to Sri Lanka carrying five tonnes of food and clothing, and offered 150,000 euros in aid to each of the two countries.

ISRAEL: Sent one medical team to Sri Lanka, one to Thailand.

Military search and rescue team due in Sri Lanka, held up by coordination problems.

ITALY: Will send 2 Hercules aircraft, one to Sri Lanka, one to Thailand.

JAPAN: Pledged $US30 million ($38.6 million) in aid, sent three navy vessels to Thailand to help rescue survivors.

KUWAIT: Pledged aid supplies worth $US2 million ($2.6 million), sent $US100,000 ($128,500) immediate aid.

NETHERLANDS: Contributing 2 million euro ($3.5 million) to Red Cross-Red Crescent appeal, plus participating in EU aid program.

NORWAY: Preliminary contribution of 50 million Norwegian crowns ($10.5 million) for emergency relief, including basic necessities, medicines, food, clean water and shelter.

POLAND: Earmarked 1 million zlotys ($431,770) for Polish NGOs involved in relief.

SAUDI ARABIA: Pledged $US10 million ($12.85 million) aid package - $US5 million ($6.4 million) of food, tents and medicine to be distributed via Saudi Red Crescent, $US5 million ($6.4 million) for international aid groups such as the Red Cross and UN High Commissioner for Refugees.

SINGAPORE: Contributing some $US1.2 million ($1.5 million) to global effort, military medical teams and supplies ready to fly to Indonesia.

SOUTH KOREA: Raises aid to $US2 million ($2.6 million), may send military cargo plane to move aid workers and supplies.

SPAIN: Sent aircraft to Sri Lanka with first aid, sanitary equipment and 19 volunteers, promised 1 million euro ($1.75 million).

SWEDEN: Sent 2 communications specialists to help UN relief efforts in Sri Lanka. Sending tents and communications equipment to the Maldives. Swedish Red Cross to contribute $US750,000 ($963,760) to IFRC appeal.

TAIWAN: Pledged additional $US5 million ($6.43 million) to South and Southeast Asian countries, after giving $US100,000 ($128,500) to Indonesia, $US50,000 ($64,250) each to Thailand, India and Sri Lanka. Sends more than 100 relief workers.

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES: Pledged $US2 million ($2.6 million) in aid and its Red Crescent society will donate 30 tonnes of food, blankets and clothing to earthquake victims to be transported over this week.

UNITED STATES: Pledged initial $US35 million ($45 million). Pentagon ordered 12 vessels to region, though no decision taken on their role.

INTERNATIONAL COMMITTEE OF THE RED CROSS: Cargo plane flying from Kenya to Sri Lanka carrying 105 tonnes of supplies, provide aid to 150,000 people in north and east. Trying to raise more than 50 million Swiss francs ($56.5 million).

IMF: Intends to provide assistance, no specific pledges.

UNHCR: Initially distributing $US380,000 ($488,310) of non-food relief items, including 23,500 plastic sheets for shelter, 24,500 plastic mats, clothing, towels and 20,000 kitchen sets.

UNICEF: Delivered 50 water tanks to southern India, 45-tonne shipment of water purification tablets and water systems due to reach Sri Lanka on Thursday. WHO and UNICEF said they were providing four emergency kits to Indonesia to cover 40,000 people for three months, providing shelter, food and clothing.

UN WORLD FOOD PROGRAM: Sends 168 tonnes of commodities to Sri Lanka, plus more than 4,000 tonnes of rice, wheatflour, lentils and sugar, enough to provide 500,000 people with emergency rations for two weeks.

UN DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM: Provided $US100,000 ($128,500) each to Sri Lanka, India, Indonesia, the Maldives and Thailand to help assess damage and coordinate emergency needs.

UN POPULATION FUND: Earmarked up to $US1 million ($1.3 million) and extra staff to help health needs of pregnant and nursing women.

Reuters"

JR

[Tom]

To bad we couldn't kick in the Yankee's payroll.
Some pitchers have contracts worth more than the $35M.

[kingfin66]

To bad we couldn't kick in the Yankee's payroll.
Some pitchers have contracts worth more than the $35M.


Or even their luxury tax.

[sq764]

To bad we couldn't kick in the Yankee's payroll.
Some pitchers have contracts worth more than the $35M.

I just found out today the company I work for pledged 6 times more than France did.. A million didn't seem like much until you compared it to the pansy French

[Secretariat]

I just found out today the company I work for pledged 6 times more than France did.. A million didn't seem like much until you compared it to the pansy French

Don't know about that, but heard Pfizer contributed 35 mil as much as the government. Good for them especially in the face of the Vioxx and Celbrex issues. Also heard Britain has given over 90 million so far. The Bush gala was 40 million so maybe some of those guys will cough up a bit as well.

[ceejay]

As of right now Amazon.com has collected > $5.7MM for American Red Cross East Africa and South Asia relief.
http://s1.amazon.com/exec/varzea/ts/my-pay-page/PX3BEL97U9A4I/104-8202005-3393531

[Tom]

I just heard the body count was up to 117,000!
This is terrible.

[Secretariat]

I just heard the body count was up to 117,000!
This is terrible.

It is unbelivable. Nagasaki had 70,000 killed to put it in perspective. The stories coming out of the region are overwhelming.

[Big Bill]

Thought you all might be interested in the follow description of a tsuname:

On December 26th, at 7:58 am local time, the most powerful earthquake in 40 years struck the ocean floor off the coast of the Indonesian island of Sumatra, spawning a tsunami that devastated islands and coastal towns throughout southern Asia. As this tragedy continues to unfold throughout the Indian Ocean basin, our prayers go out to all affected.

I have received numerous questions as to how cruise ships and passengers were impacted by the tsunami, and I am relieved to tell you that none of the half dozen cruise ships in the region were lost or damaged and no cruise passengers were harmed.

That's because tsunamis are unlike waves formed by tides or surface winds. A tsunami radiates out in all directions from the epicenter of an undersea earthquake. It may hit nearby coastal areas in seconds, or it may travel thousands of miles across open seas before striking land.

On the open sea, away from shallow areas and coastlines, a tsunami is virtually undetectable, with waves that crest at less than 3 feet, and crests that may be separated by hundreds of miles. In fact, ships at sea are generally unaware that they are riding a tsunami, which is why there have been no reports of damage or distress from any cruise ship, freighter or other vessel at sea in the region. However, hundreds of pleasure boats and fishing boats close to shore or docked in marinas in areas hit by the tsunami have been destroyed.

A tsunami's speed is determined by the depth of the ocean, and this one moved at speeds in excess of 500 miles per hour as it raced toward Sri Lanka, India and Africa. Tsunamis cannot be seen from the air or sea until they enter shallow water. It is there that the tsunami slows dramatically, to 20 or 30 miles per hour, and begins to rise above sea level. This tsunami was most likely imperceptible in deep water, but it rose to a height of 20 to 40 feet before it slammed into shore.

Tsunamis drain the water away from the beach before they strike, and in some places, the water retreated hundreds of yards. There are eyewitness accounts from snorkelers who suddenly found themselves face down in wet sand or atop sharp coral.

Then the water began to rise in the distance, and a sound that has been described as being similar to a jet engine was heard. Beachgoers had at most a few minutes to run for higher ground by the time they heard this sound, but of course, few knew what to make of the signs until it was too late.

Tsunamis don't break like normal waves, they simply rise and careen forward. Wind-generated waves are typically 5 to 20 seconds apart, while tsunami waves may be separated by minutes or even hours. A tsunami will typically consist of 3 to 10 waves, and each wave can carry objects or people out to sea as it retreats.

More than 95% of the world's earthquakes occur beneath the Pacific Ocean, and early warning systems are in place to detect tsunamis that might threaten the Pacific Coast of the U.S., Alaska, Hawaii, and many Pacific Rim countries. No such system exists in the Indian Ocean, though governments there will surely go to the expense to deploy one now.

Big Bill

[Secretariat]

Very interesting post Big Bill.

I was happy to see that Japan has upped it's aid to 500 million.

[Tom]

Curious why you fail to mention that the US is up to $350 so far, wtih no cap annoucned, and is sending physical aid - delivering directly to those isolated - bypassing the UN, who is most likely delaying sending it in until they divy up their cut (Kafi's cut)