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CNMI, ARC to help tsunami victims
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Posted on Dec 31 2004
The CNMI government and the American Red Cross-NMI Chapter intend to organize relief efforts to help the tsunami victims in Asia.
Acting Gov. Diego T. Benavente said yesterday that the Executive Brach will discuss the matter with ARC executive director John Hirsh on Monday.
“We’d like to contribute in whatever way we can to help the victims. What happened was very tragic. Our sympathies go out to the families and individuals grieving. We’d like to help and we’ll encourage the community to help,” said Benavente.
Reports said that the death toll across 12 countries hit by the tsunamis may reach a quarter of a million. As of yesterday, the number was already at over 118,000.
Widespread devastation and high number of casualties were reported in Indonesia, Thailand, India, and Sri Lanka.
The force of the tsunamis, which was triggered by a 9.0 magnitude undersea earthquake last Sunday, reportedly swept the sea to the foot of mountains more than a mile inland in the coastal areas in the region.
Survivors are in urgent need of potable water, medicines, clothing, food, and other basic materials.
Authorities aired concerns that diseases could kill tens of thousands more. Health authorities reported cases of measles and diarrhea, and people in many areas were prone to the threat of cholera, malaria, and dehydration.
Estimates showed that the international community’s emergency aid commitment has already reached $500,000 million. The United States, India, Australia and Japan have formed a coalition to coordinate international relief efforts.
The U.S. government has reportedly pledged a multifaceted response, and the U.S. military said it would divert several warships and helicopters to the region.
The Indian Ocean disaster extended beyond Asia to Africa, where U.N. officials said as many as 50,000 people in Somalia are in danger.
