The World Contributes to Aid for Asia

[onthebottom]

From Reuters yeasterday:

Nations pledge cash, aid for Asia disaster victims28 Dec 2004 08:19:09 GMTSource: Reuters

(Updates Japan)

SINGAPORE, Dec 28 (Reuters) - Countries around the globe have stepped forward with pledges of cash and assistance to the victims of the southern Asian earthquake and tsunami disaster.

The U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs has said it will take "many billions of dollars" for rescue, recovery and rebuilding efforts.
The following is a list of contributions pledged, as compiled from reports by Reuters bureaux and United Nations agencies.

AUSTRALIA: Australia sent four air force transport planes with supplies and medical specialists to the western Indonesian island of Sumatra and committed $7.6 million to the international relief effort.

BELGIUM: The government is sending a military airbus with 22 tonnes of aid from Medecins Sans Frontieres and UNICEF to Sri Lanka.

BRITAIN: London sent an aircraft with plastic sheets and tents worth 250,000 pounds ($481,500) to Sri Lanka. It said it was contributing 370,000 pounds to the EU aid effort and a further $100,000 to the World Health Organisation for relief efforts.

CANADA: Canada said it would make an initial contribution of 1 million Canadian dollars ($814,300) to an appeal for some $6.5 million by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).

CHINA: The government will offer 21.6 million yuan ($2.6 million) worth of emergency humanitarian aid to India, Indonesia, Thailand, Sri Lanka and the Maldives, official media reported.

CZECH REPUBLIC: Prague despatched a plane to Sri Lanka with drinking water. Officials said overall aid worth $444,400 would be sent.

EUROPEAN UNION: The European Commission pledged 3 million euros ($4.06 million) and said it could mobilise up to 30 million euros for rapid distribution to aid groups.

FRANCE: Foreign Minister Michel Barnier is heading to Sri Lanka and Thailand on a flight carrying aid. Paris has earmarked 100,000 euros for initial rescue efforts in Thailand and has sent a plane with about 100 rescue workers and five tonnes of aid to Sri Lanka.

GERMANY: Germany said it was contributing 1 million euros of emergency aid to the international effort and taking part in the EU programme. It sent a disaster relief team to Sri Lanka.

GREECE: Greece has offered Sri Lanka medical assistance, including 17 doctors and staff.

ISRAEL: Israel sent a medical team with medicines and equipment to Sri Lanka and another to Thailand. Plans to send a military search and rescue team to Sri Lanka on Tuesday had been delayed due to coordination problems.

JAPAN: Tokyo will provide around $30 million in aid to countries hit by the tsunami. In addition to sending an emergency medical team and equipment to Sri Lanka and a damage survey team to Indonesia, Japan will give emergency grant aid to Indonesia, Sri Lanka and the Maldives.

KUWAIT: The Kuwaiti cabinet agreed to send aid supplies worth $1 million to the affected region.

NETHERLANDS: The Netherlands said it was contributing 2 million euros to the Red Cross-Red Crescent appeal, above and beyond its participation in the overall EU programme.

SINGAPORE: Singapore said it would contribute around $1.2 million to the global effort, and had armed forces medical teams and relief supplies ready to fly to Indonesia.

SPAIN: Madrid is sending a plane with first aid and sanitary equipment to Sri Lanka. It has promised 1 million euros for aid and planes and is considering sending specialists to help with distribution.

SWEDEN: Sweden sent two communications specialists to help U.N. relief efforts in Sri Lanka, and said it was sending tents and communications equipment to the Maldives. The Swedish Red Cross said it would contribute $750,000 to the global IFRC appeal.

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES: The government pledged $2 million in aid and its Red Crescent was planning to send three plane-loads of aid to India, Indonesia and Sri Lanka on Tuesday.

UNITED STATES: The United States said it planned to provide an initial $15 million in aid and had already released $100,000 each to India, Indonesia, Sri Lanka and the Maldives. It said the U.S. Pacific Command had sent three patrol aircraft to assess damage.

cont....

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[onthebottom]

cont....

IMF: The head of the International Monetary Fund said he intended to provide assistance, but did not specify.

UNHCR: The U.N.'s refugee agency said it was providing homeless in Sri Lanka with 18,000 pieces of plastic sheeting, 17,000 plastic mats, rope and non-food relief packages for 2,000 families.

UNICEF: The U.N. children's agency was distributing clothing and more than 30,000 blankets and sleeping mats in Sri Lanka and 1,600 water tanks, 30,000 blankets, medical supplies and hundreds of thousands of water purification pills in India. Similar supplies would soon be heading to Indonesia and the Maldives.

U.N. DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM: The UNDP provided $100,000 each to Sri Lanka, India, Indonesia, the Maldives and Thailand to help them assess and coordinate emergency needs.

U.N. POPULATION FUND: The fund said it had earmarked up to $1 million and extra staff to help ensure that the special health needs of pregnant and nursing women were met. ($1=.5192 Pound) ($1=1.228 Canadian Dollar) ($1=.7386 Euro)


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[onthebottom]

I just posted what I found yeasterday - without comment you will note. I didn't read your link (I'll try it on the Blackberry, its hit and miss). I'm quite sure the rich countries of the world will do their part - Bush announced today that the US, Japan, Australia and India were to take a lead role - makes sense.

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[onthebottom]

Bbk,

Read the link, I think all large countries will up their commitments once the scope of the disaster can be measured and a use for funds can be organized.

I've spent several years in SE Asia, have many friends there and have fallen in love with the cultures (especially Thai) it saddens me to see these already poor people sustain such a blow. Let's all do what we can.

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[onthebottom]

Bbking,

I'm with you on that, the US number doesn't surprise me at all, high tourest season in those countries, been to Puket this time of year myself, sat on those beaches - winced at the Germans in speedos - the whole thing. Really sad.

The 100k are dead, can't help them, now on to caring for the 1m affected.

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[ToronToto]

I think the UN offical was too quick to make that statement. Thankfully, I don't think it will have a negative affect on the support that they will receive.

The debate is that several countries (including Canada) are pledging 20M+. The 15M from the US (their original commitment) is chump change (which it is) and that it costs more to install a toilet on a bomber.

[ToronToto]

btw, has Bush made a statement yet. Supposedly he isn't going to do so till New Year's Eve. Doesn't he realize that thousands of Americans were in Thailand?

[Necromancer]

Gee Toto,

Good to see you are an expert on installing toilets on bombers. Would one of these toilets be on one of the patrol or C-130 relief planes being sent to assist in the relief effort? Or maybe you got mixed up and you meant a toilet on one of the many ships the USA will be sending to help the people in the region. When will Canada send any people to help out? Just how many Canadians were there in Thailand?

Remember, Canada's initial pledge was for $4 million. I guess peer pressure got to the Canadian Gov. as well to shell out some more.

[onthebottom]

Originally posted by ToronToto btw, has Bush made a statement yet. Supposedly he isn't going to do so till New Year's Eve. Doesn't he realize that thousands of Americans were in Thailand?

He had a news conference yeasterday and announced that the US, India, Japan and Australia would form a "core" of relief countries - that we are sending supplies, military personal and ships.

How about Martin?

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[n_v]

Originally posted by onthebottom
HHow about Martin?
$40 million compared to the US $35 million.
Just a side note .. Canada has 33 million people while the US has 300 million.
Now shut the fuck up about your one upsmanship. This is a disaster OTB, not a scorecard.

[onthebottom]

Originally posted by n_v $40 million compared to the US $35 million. Just a side note .. Canada has 33 million people while the US has 300 million. Now shut the fuck up about your one upsmanship. This is a disaster OTB, not a scorecard.

TT was wondering if Bush had commented, I answered his question and asked about Martin - no on-up-manship, it is a tragedy and I'm sure we'll do all we can.

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[ToronToto]

Originally posted by Necromancer
Good to see you are an expert on installing toilets on bombers. Would one of these toilets be on one of the patrol or C-130 relief planes being sent to assist in the relief effort?Actually, an American (on CNN ?) made the statement (in jest) that it cost 15M to install a toilet in a bomber. This was during a discussion that the US could use this opportunity to improve it world image. But I guess they aren't pussies (unlike us Canadians) and can't reassess a situation or won't bow under peer pressure.

[Necromancer]

It's quite interesting that people criticize the US of A for meddling or bullying yet when a situation like this happens, the world, including the UN, seems to look towards the US of A and the POTUS to take the lead. What about the UN? What about the EU? What about the Canadians. It is also quite interesting that the so called world leaders feel that they know what is needed or what is best when they have not had a chance for the affected governments to assess the damage and evalute the type of aid required.

Yes, Canadians are a bunch of pussies that constantly complain about the world but do nothing about it.

[Necromancer]

bbk, what makes you think I am American? Talk about cement heads!

[Malibook]

The Canadian government is going to match all other Canadian contributions and forgive the debt (around $1B) of the devastated countries.

[Necromancer]

bbk, your Canadian intolerance speaks volume about all Canadians.

[n_v]

Originally posted by Malibook
The Canadian government is going to match all other Canadian contributions and forgive the debt (around $1B) of the devastated countries.
Actually I think it's more of holding off on payments til they get out of this mess.

[n_v]

Originally posted by Necromancer
Yes, Canadians are a bunch of pussies that constantly complain about the world but do nothing about it.
This is such an ignorant and untrue statment that it is not even worth replying to.

[onthebottom]

Originally posted by ToronToto .... This was during a discussion that the US could use this opportunity to improve it world image. But I guess they aren't pussies (unlike us Canadians) and can't reassess a situation or won't bow under peer pressure.

US govt, firms, NGOs and individuals will give a fortune, and I'm sure we'll get no credit for it, that's OK, that's not why we do it.

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[danmand]

Originally posted by Necromancer
bbk, your Canadian intolerance speaks volume about all Canadians.

I find his intolerance and arrogance more american than canadian.

[Malibook]

Originally posted by n_v
Actually I think it's more of holding off on payments til they get out of this mess.
You're right.
Still a nice contribution but not the incredible gift I thought it was.
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/1104443723554_8?hub=Canada

[baci2004]

Originally posted by Necromancer
bbk, what makes you think I am American? Talk about cement heads!

'The Deeeep South!' might have tipped him off.

[iam0234]

Originally posted by bbking
Martin like Bush was on vacation but has done several question and answer sessions with the media and several policy statements have been made by the PMO. It is not a scorecard otherwise I would be getting after the "China is th next economic superpower crowd" for China's 2.5 million pledge to aid it's next door neighbors - a far cry short of the 8 million raised by ordinary Canadians to date. But I'm a big guy so I won't mention it.

bbk

For your info, BBK, China’s 2.5 million USD pledge was just the start. It has now upped its pledge to 500 million RMB, or over 60 million USD as the severity of the disaster is being unfolded. In addition, there are many millions more from private donations out of China. In HK alone it is reported that in the last few days, donations to Red Cross, UNICEF, World Vision and other charity organizations have exceeded 20 million USD.

I’m disturbed by the debate on this thread regarding which country is more generous than the others. Seeing the international communities, regardless of race, religion and political agenda, working together to offer a helping hand is the only consolation to this catastrophic tragedy in Asia.

Regardless of the amount, each donation is a display of the human kindness that God has created in us (though I’m puzzled as to why our supposedly loving God would bestow such unkindness to so many innocent people - which is another debate for another day).

[n_v]

Where is there a link to point out that China is contributing 500 million? I only heard that was true of Japan.

[ToronToto]

I also think we also have to consider other forms of contribution. Canada was unable to mobilize the DART team ... for many reasons. Whereas, other nations have been able to make a physical presence. Kudos to those nations and/or international organizations that have mobilized teams and have had an immediate effect.

[iam0234]

Originally posted by bbking
Only responding to those people who are slaming the US for no reason. The fact that China's 2.5 million US was it's initial response says a lot about China - they have a better prespective than we do of the magnitude of the disaster and yet this country with the fastest growing economy that lots of people say will pass the US soon at yet they show little or no concern for their neighbors at least at first. I will say they have steped up to the plate but I think it is more that started to understand that to be a regional leader it must step and be noticed. Personally I really don't care as long as something is being done.


bbk

Wrong. In fact, I've been an advocate of US democracy and western values. Instead, I’ve been a respondent to those slamming China for no reason. This said, I must emphasis my position that despite China’s recent achievements, it has committed many sinful acts. I would only sympathize communism in China with recognition of the country’s disastrous misery not too long ago, which is not generally understood by the western world until perhaps by some, and recently.

I, for one, have posted under other threads that despite China’s purportedly fastest growing economy, will not surpass the US - not in the foreseeable future; probably not at all.

As to your other criticism of China, isn’t this a case of “damn if you pledge; and damn if you don’t�? Another example of bashing a country, should it be directed towards China, the US, Russia …., for no reason?

[iam0234]

Originally posted by n_v
Where is there a link to point out that China is contributing 500 million? I only heard that was true of Japan.

Firstly let me clarify that the 500 million by China is 500 million RMB, which approximates only 60 million USD, thus no comparison to Japan’s generous pledge of half-a-billion.

This is widely reported in the HK media. If you read Chinese, you can find the info under http://news.sina.com.hk/cgi-bin/news/show_news.cgi?ct=headlines&type=headlines&date=2005-01-02&id=783698

I’m not aware of any reporting in the western media.

[iam0234]

The URL for the above referenced link should read:

http://news.sina.com.hk/cgi-bin/news/show_news.cgi?ct=headlines&type=headlines&date=2005-01-02&id=783698

[n_v]

Originally posted by ToronToto
I also think we also have to consider other forms of contribution. Canada was unable to mobilize the DART team ..
Not true. There is a recong. team finding out where exaclty to put the team and in what capacity it should be used in SEA.

[onthebottom]

At the risk of paraphrasing Billary "it's the victims stupid".

Anyone have a private fund they would suggest?

OTB

[Booya]

Why isn't anyone bashing the Muslim nations for lack of responce.

http://www.canoe.ca/NewsStand/Columnists/Toronto/Bob_MacDonald/2005/01/02/804492.html

[Don]

Originally posted by Booya
Why isn't anyone bashing the Muslim nations for lack of responce.

http://www.canoe.ca/NewsStand/Columnists/Toronto/Bob_MacDonald/2005/01/02/804492.html

<SARCASM>
Because that would be politically incorrect and offensive
</SARCASM>

[n_v]

This is a good question. Especially countries like Saudi Arabia which is wuite wealthy and populous.

[onthebottom]

Originally posted by Booya
Why isn't anyone bashing the Muslim nations for lack of responce.

http://www.canoe.ca/NewsStand/Columnists/Toronto/Bob_MacDonald/2005/01/02/804492.html

Because only America can be bashed, it's a TERB guideline;-) The next post will say that Muslim Americans are not giving enough, that will allow the bashing to begin in earnest.

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[onthebottom]

Originally posted by bbking
....because they need the money to keep their leaders in power.


bbk

And with the weakened dollar it's getting more expensive to take the ********** to London shopping.

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[onthebottom]

From today's USA Today:

Helicopters help relief operations gain momentum
By Donna Leinwand, USA TODAY

U-TAPAO AIR BASE, Thailand — Within 12 hours of arriving here from their base in Japan, 10 U.S. C-130 cargo planes began ferrying tons of supplies from warehouses in Bangkok and Polonia, Indonesia, to coastal zones.

U.S. military pilots flew 37 sorties that carried 280 tons in the first four days of operations, Air Force Col. Rod Gregory said Sunday. U.S. aircraft evacuated more than 120 injured people and delivered teams of soldiers to assess the damage and identify the dead. (Related story: Rescuers set to call of search)

While aid began flowing to the stricken region last week, officials say it is only in the past two days that the relief effort has gained organization and momentum.

"The first two days were tragedy, death and destruction," said Tim Gerhardson, spokesman for the U.S. Embassy in Jakarta, Indonesia's capital. "The third day all of the supplies came in, but they were only getting into major cities."

Finally, on Saturday, he said, water, body bags and food started to reach victims. "Now it's all about getting the people fed and getting people water."

The operation has barely begun.

In the next week, the U.S. relief effort is expected to ratchet up exponentially. At least 700 soldiers and 15 C-130s are en route, Gregory said.

Secretary of State Colin Powell said on CBS' Face the Nation on Sunday that the United States has "something like 10,000 to 12,000 military that are involved now" in disaster relief.

The challenge will be getting vital supplies to people who live in the least accessible areas. Because the C-130s require long runways, survivors in remote tsunami-struck areas must await deliveries from helicopters carrying smaller loads.

Military helicopters, which can hoist about 14,000 pounds of supplies, began delivering aid over the weekend to places where bridges have been washed out and supplies cannot be driven over land.

"Helicopters are invaluable, especially helicopters coming in from the sea, where they can be refueled and resupplied out on our carriers, and are not taking up space at airfields or putting a logistics base at airfields," Powell said.

U.S. Marine Maj. Dwight Neeley, who is coordinating the Marine assessment team with the U.S. support group in Indonesia, said they are poised to get supplies to small towns by flying helicopters in from the USS Abraham Lincoln anchored nearby.
When a Navy helicopter landed in a remote area in Indonesia on Saturday, hungry residents rushed at the crew, arms outstretched and clamoring for food, Marine Col. Medio Monti said.

"There is some concern about crowd control," Gregory said. U.S. officials are working with governments in the stricken countries to bolster security and ensure an orderly distribution of the aid.
A feared threat from separatist rebels on the Indonesian island of Sumatra has not materialized. "There have been no disturbances (from the guerrillas). Right now I think everyone is still in shock," Gerhardson said.

Hangars in Thailand and Indonesia are stacked floor-to-ceiling with supplies. The airfields and runways are so clogged with traffic that at least one unidentified country asked the United States to fly its relief missions at night to relieve the congestion, Gregory said.
"There are all kinds of supplies piling up in warehouses," said Monti, chief of staff for the task force running the U.S. humanitarian mission. "Getting them to the people, there's our challenge. ... And you've got to do it fast, because they need help now."

In the staging area at U-Tapao, U.S. soldiers were still stringing up Internet cables, so Gregory was scratching out plans on a legal pad while his laptop sat idle.

Cargo planes have been delivering food, water, shovels, picks, blankets and medicine to survivors and body bags and dry ice for the dead.

On the return flights, the planes are carrying refugees and injured.
One plane that went into Banda Aceh evacuated the Yemeni ambassador and 25 other survivors, Gregory said. Another plane brought out 14 European victims, including two critically injured, from Phuket, a resort area in Thailand, he said.

Phuket is where a U.S. forensics team, normally deployed to find and identify the remains of soldiers missing in action, is hunting for tsunami victims. The team is digging out bodies and trying to make identifications before the corpses are too decayed, said Marine Capt. Michael Craighead, leader of the forensic analysis team.
Other countries' militaries are taking part as well. A 90-person Australian army medical group arrived Sunday in Thailand to set up a field hospital.

Lt. Col. Georgina Whelan, commanding officer of Australia's 1st Health Support Battalion, said her team had given up a four-week Christmas holiday. "It's fine," she said. "It's what we do."

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