International community mobilises

27 Dec 2004, 12:00 am
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Aid teams from around the world are rushing to South East Asian countries devastated by tsunami's warning anything less than an urgent response would add many more deaths to the toll.

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Aid teams from around the world are rushing to South East Asian countries devastated by tsunami's warning anything less than an urgent response would add many more deaths to the toll.

Australia's Foreign Minister, Alexander Downer, has vowed to make an initial contribution of A$10m (US$7.7m) to help relief efforts saying this figure might be increased in the future.

He said the primary aim would be to get bottled water, tarpaulins and items of that nature into the worst-hit areas.

The Italian Foreign Ministry's crisis unit is coordinating European Union aid efforts.

The 25-nation EU will deliver US$4m in emergency aid as a start, and Italy, Sweden, Germany, France and Britain are sending teams of technical experts and rescue workers.

"We are doing all we can to offer practical help and support," said Britain's International Development Secretary Hilary Benn.

The International Red Cross in Geneva has appealed for donations of US$6.7m in cash, relief goods or services for the next six months.

"We are in for a big emergency disaster response, and we will be at it for many months to come," said David Alexander, international director of the British Red Cross.

In Austria, relief officials and charities such as Caritas and Volkshilfe made urgent appeals for cash donations.

"Once people are safe, they must be provided with meals, blankets and a roof over their heads," said Franz-Karl Prueller, head of Caritas' Austria operation.

The Dutch Red Cross was flying in blankets, tents and medicine, with priority going to Sri Lanka, said Dutch Foreign Ministry spokesman Esther van Damme.

The Greek Foreign Ministry said a C-130 cargo plane was ready to offer assistance, and the Kuwaiti government said it was sending US$1m in aid. Spain's Red Cross said it was designating nearly $50,000 in emergency funds

International director of the aid group Oxfam, Jasmine Whitebread, warned that without swift action, more people could die in the aftermath.

"The flood waters will have contaminated drinking water and food will be scarce," she said.

Hours after news of the natural disaster hit Europe, Pope John Paul II coupled his prayers for victims with an appeal to the international community to act quickly.

"The Christmas holiday has been saddened by the news that comes from Southeast Asia," John Paul told pilgrims and tourists in St. Peter's Square.

Britain's Queen Elizabeth II said she was "deeply saddened to learn of the dreadful situation" and offered her sympathy, as did the Netherlands' Queen Beatrix and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

French President Jacques Chirac sent Sri Lanka's president a letter expressing his sympathy.

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