|
Letters to the Editor:-
"The Tsunami disaster."
"This is a disaster of Biblical proportions and no government on earth should ignore it. I am dumbfounded by the absences of Tony Blair and George Bush from this crisis. They have the greatest logistical capacity on earth - to deploy at a moments notice to any part of the world - to take lives as in Iraq and Afghanistan. They claim to be God fearing Christians, then why can't they deploy those same forces to defend life? Their hypocrisy at a time such as this is gut wrenching."
Malik Al Nasir, Liverpool. UK
TELEVISION AND RADIO APPEAL FOR TSUNAMI EARTHQUAKE
Photograph above with thanks to
the BBC & D.E.C.
THE Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) representing 12 leading aid agencies, will tonight launch a television and radio appeal to deliver emergency aid to hundreds of thousands people caught up in the tsunamil quake.
Even before the appeal has been broadcast more than 80,000 people have already donated to this cause. But more money is needed. Donations can be made by:-
- Calling:- 0870 60 60 900
- Online at:- www.dec.org.uk
- By post to:-
- DEC tsunami earthquake appeal,
- PO Box 999,
- London,
- EC3A 3AA.
- Cheques made payable:- DEC
Tsunamil Earthquake Appeal
- Other:- High Street Banks or Post Office Freepay 1325
Brendan Gormley, Chief Executive for the DEC comments
"Since Boxing Day, we've been watching with disbelief, the pictures of the tsunami caused by the quake across Asia that wiped out whole communities in minutes. Tens of thousands have been killed and millions left without water, food or shelter. Ordinary lives, like ours, have been devastated.
British charities in the areas hardest hit are facing a huge challenge, they need to reach all those in need but must have the money to do this. In times of emergency such as this, it makes sense for agencies to come together and ask the public for help."
The tsunami is possibly the worst natural disaster ever. For every person that has been killed, there are many families fighting for survival. People are scrambling in the mud and ruins looking for water, food and items to make shelter.
However, the water is contaminated, sanitation systems have been destroyed and the disaster zone is now threatened with outbreaks for disease which the UN warns is likely to
"double" the death toll. Diseases like malaria, dengue fever and cholera can spread quickly especially in temperatures over 30 degrees.
People across the region need immediate help. They are
crying out for blankets, ...continued....
|
...continued....
clothes, food, water and medical supplies. In the longer term they will need help to rebuild their homes, livelihoods, and shattered lives.
Money will buy:-
£15 ill by one family plastic sheeting a water container and purification tablets.
£35 Provide family with enough food for a week.
£100 Zinc sheeting and timber to help rebuild two family homes.
Gormley concludes:- "Anything you can give will really help someone in desperate need. So please do call and make a donation."
Support for people affected by Asian disaster
SUPPORT is being offered to people in Liverpool affected by the Asian tsunami disaster. Liverpool City Council's award-winning Careline is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to offer help, support and advice to people across the city.
The fully trained team of social workers will be on hand to speak to anyone directly affected by the disaster and offer them support. But people wishing to track down relatives and friends in Asia should still continue to contact a special helpline set up by the Foreign Office in Hendon.
Councillor Flo Clucas, Liverpool City Council's executive member for social care, said:-
"Careline has proved to be a great success in helping give advice and supporting people across Liverpool in many different ways.
I hope Careline can help people affected to come to terms with the devastation of this terrible disaster. There will be people in Liverpool directly affected by the catastrophe in Asia, whether they have lost loved ones or they are waiting for news of friends and relatives and others who may simply be distressed by the images we have all seen.
Careline's team of trained social workers are on hand 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to provide emotional help, advice and support."
The Careline number is 0151 233 3800.
The Foreign Office has issued an emergency number for people who wish to check on friends and relatives:- 0207 008 0000.
Disaster
Fund Raisers.
IF YOU have a fun razing event
for the disaster, let us know. We will publicize it on all our
sites. Remember, they will need help for a long time to come,
not just for the next few weeks. Already
being run are:- Formby
Guild Hall Toddlers Group is holding a fundraiser at it' first
anniversary celebration on the 29 January 2005. Ring 01704 832
825 for more information. Formby
Rotary club is teaming up with other branches to provide aid in the
form of shelter boxes. Each one has a shelter in it that
will take 10 people. Also in it are 10 sleeping bags with
blanket, clothing and basic tools. Oxfam
shops all over the UK are collecting funds. In Formby,
they have raiesed over £400 through donation so far. 
|
