According to a press release issued on December 28, 2004, The American Red Cross is responding to the large scale natural disaster in Asia. An earthquake erupted in the ocean off the west coast of Indonesia on December 26th, triggering tsunami waves that caused massive flooding and severe damage in 11 countries.

The statement issued by the Red Cross said, “Relief supplies, such as plastic sheeting, family size tents and hygiene kits, are ready for shipment to be distributed to people in the affected areas. These supplies are in a specifically designated area near the region so they can be mobilized quickly. It is estimated that nearly one million people living in the coastal areas have been affected.”

American Red Cross disaster relief personnel and volunteers will be deployed from the United States in the next few days, joining a team of British Red Cross responders in Sri Lanka, one of the hardest hit areas.

Financial donations to the International Response Fund can be made by calling 1-800-HELP-NOW or by visiting redcross.org.

For more information:

Aid Arrives As Asia Death Toll Tops 76,700 12/29/04

American Red Cross Responding To Southern Asia Disaster 12/28/04

About Donations of Goods for Areas Affected by the Recent Earthquake and Resulting Tsunamis 12/27/04