Religion: More Tsunami

Tsunami: South Asia Catastrophe

Salvation Army Press release on December 29, 2004
Salvation Army Update: January 4, 2005
Images- Copyright 2004, The Salvation Army -International Headquarters
Publication Date: January 15, 2005

Salvation Army assessment teams returning from the field are confirming the tragic news about the aftermath of last Sunday's tsunami waves that slammed into the southern Asia region. The team returning from Galle on the south coast of Sri Lanka reported finding the entire area, including Salvation Army properties, in total disarray. Debris is reportedly scattered all over this coastal town which used to be home to thousands of residents. The cost in terms of human life was also great. Among the casualties were passengers on a commuter train and bus that were reportedly washed out to sea by the waves, resulting in massive loss of life. Team members reported finding the corps officers and soldiers not only providing relief aid and counselling to the survivors, but also actively assisting in the recovery of bodies of the victims.

Emergency funds have been released in response to an appeal from relief teams in Indonesia. Commissioner Johannes Watilete, leader of The Salvation Army in Indonesia reports, 'Immediate and URGENT need at the disaster sites (Aceh and Nias Island) is for body bags, medical masks, hand gloves, hand sanitizers and disinfectants. Distribution of these items is being coordinated with the government. The country’s 14 Salvation Army relief teams (known locally as "Compassion in Action" teams) are actively involved in North Sumatra and neighbouring areas counselling relatives of the victims. People are still in the state of shock, disoriented, and bewildered. The government is supplying people with food, clothing and medicines. But even where there is food, people cannot eat'.

Reports from affected communities in India all are very similar in their findings of unprecedented destruction and enormous losses of human lives. Another common theme, though, is the selfless service being given by Salvation Army officers, soldiers and volunteers as they do all that they can to give practical aid and spiritual comfort to the thousands and thousands of people who have had their lives forever changed in one terrible morning. Whether it’s providing food, water, clothing and shelter to families, helping with the recovery of remains or just listening to the heartbreak of those who lost loved ones to the raging waters, The Salvation Army is a beacon of hope in this desperate situation.

In the Indian South Eastern Territory, thousands of food parcels have been distributed in Kanyakmari District, where The Salvation Army’s hospital ambulance, at the request of the police, has been used frequently to transport dead bodies recovered from the wreckage of buildings.
Another Salvation Army ambulance has transported doctors and medical supplies to stricken areas.

The latest dispatch from The Salvation Army’s India Central headquarters reports that relief work is continuing in Chennai, Machilipatnam, Nellore, Divi and Nagapattinam. Rice and cooking materials have been supplied to 405 fishermen’s families in Machilipatnam, and to 500 families in Nellore. In Chennai, near Marina beach, food supplies are being distributed to 1,000 people every day

The coastal area of Nagapattinam, with its 73 villages, is the scene of The Salvation Army’s main relief effort in the region, supervised by Disaster Co-ordinator Captain John Kumar. Large quantities of clothing, bedding, food and sanitary supplies have been distributed, and the local people are being supported and counselled.

To foster a community spirit of mutual support, as well as to meet the need for hot food, The Salvation Army has established a community kitchen, run by local people, equipped to prepare food twice daily for 1,200 people. The kitchen comprises three large tents, lit by gas in the absence of an electricity supply.

In South-East India, Salvation Army teams have been serving 56 camps housing homeless people from 33 villages in the Tamil Nadu area. Food, water, clothing and bedding has been provided, and medical care given by Salvation Army doctors. Preparatory work is underway for the reconstruction of houses, the repair of fishing boats and replacement of fishing nets.

In the Indian South Western Territory, when people were evacuated from coastal areas because of fears of a second tsunami, hundreds were housed and fed at The Salvation Army’s Trivandrum High School.
In Kerala State, much-needed sleeping mats were distributed along with other emergency supplies.

Even as much is currently being done, though, there is still much more to do. An International Emergency Response Team has been dispatched from London to Sri Lanka to help coordinate the massive relief efforts there. Salvation Army personnel in the affected region (as well as those nearby) are currently working around the clock to demonstrate practical care for hurting neighbours. In order to be able to continue and expand the work currently being done, The Salvation Army is urgently appealing for donations to support our efforts in this enormous tragedy. Donations should be designated 'South Asia Disaster Fund.'

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A new law allows taxpayers who itemize to deduct January 2005 contributions to charities to aid the victims of the tsunami on their 2004 tax returns. Please visit www.irs.gov for more information

To donate by phone, please call 1-800-SAL-ARMY (725-2769)

To donate by mail, earmark check 'Asia Disaster Fund' and send to
The Salvation Army
P.O. Box 630243
Baltimore, MD 21263-0243

Donations to Salvation Army for Asian Earthquake/Tsunami Relief

List with address, phone number, and web link of other organizations, including the Red Cross (http://www.redcross.org/), working in the tsunami disaster area is avalable at

USAID: Earthquake and Tsunami Relief