Keen Computer Solutions

Free IT Information

2008-03-26T22:13:00.002-05:00

If you are looking for free IT information, and have no time and reference books to sort out the details, You are in luck.

we have created the website www.askushow.ca for this purpose.

Go ahead post your questions and in short while you will have information that you are looking for.

And it is absolutely free!!!!

Microsoft One Note

2008-03-26T20:50:00.002-05:00

I am exploring Microsoft one note 2007. However there is a completely free tool call to do list

http://www.abstractspoon.com/

and for programming and research is even better

Redhat Fedora 8.0

2008-03-26T20:29:00.002-05:00

Redhat Fedora core 8.0 is ready for prime time.

Microsoft CRM-3.0

2008-03-26T20:27:00.002-05:00

Since Microsoft is Entering CRM Technology, but we are not very sure if Microsoft also selling Contact list.

Topics to be Discussed in Software Engineering

2007-10-07T03:03:00.000-05:00

What are the most important topics tht we should discuss in Linkedin Software Engineering Topics.
Should we have different format/blogsite for this.
We need to discuss in details.

Managed Service for Information Technology

2007-09-29T18:47:00.000-05:00

In order to increase efficiency of our IT services we started researching everywhere.

All customers wants fast service and fraction of the cost and worst yet they wanted the response time to be minuters and not hours. What to do.

I started looking for methods and Technologies that could do the trick.

In essence I have found the following very useful:

1.0 Lean six Sigma for Service Induatry and
2.0 Manged services for IT support.

These has formed a powerful combination of technology for providing fast IT support service in SMB markets.

More on this wil be added later in the Week.

Lean Six Sigma for Service

2007-09-14T01:00:00.000-05:00

We are introducing Lean six sigma for Information Technology Customers.

We haev found the following References very useful:

1.0 Lean Six Sigma Pocket Toolbook- ISBN 0-07-144119-0
2.0 Lean Six Sigma Service- ISBN- 0-07-141821-0

Naturally to increase the speed of the IT service and to reduce costs managed services with remote access is extremely attractive. We are exploring some possibilities. IPSEC Based VPN to service customers ai also possibilities.

I had discussed various questions in Linkedin and found the following resources useful:

I will highly reccomend you to look at isixsigma site. You will get lot of different types of articles there. Also teher is monthly magazine, where they are publishing few case studies. But to get that magizes, you need to subscribe for that. Otherwise, Be a member of ASQ. you will have access to whole lot of case studies/articles. You will get weekly reading materials with blogs, lot of things. I think these are best sources to get the materials. .. Suggest by Susant Sahoo

Links:
http://www.linkedin.com/redirect?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwiki%2Eittoolbox%2Ecom%2Findex%2Ephp%2FSix-sigma-wiki-project
http://search.ittoolbox.com/default.asp?r=SIX+SIGMA&byDate=on

Darrell Mann is a leading expert in TRIZ for software. You can find some of his articles on the TRIZ journal website. Work has already been done applying the 40 principles to software. There are also other authors on the subject. Darrell has an upcoming book "TRIZ for Software Engineers" that looks to be available in October 2007.
Links:
http://www.linkedin.com/redirect?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Etriz-journal%2Ecom
http://www.linkedin.com/redirect?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Ecreax%2Ecom
http://www.linkedin.com/redirect?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Esystematic-innovation%2Ecom%2FProducts%2Fproducts01%2Ehtm

II do recommend isixsigma as well as the others. I´m developing a MBA class regarding this subject and I would be glad to give you some documentation as soon as I finish working on it. The broad subject is IT Process Efficiency: How to increase the IT efficiency and really add value to the bottom line of your business. The class will be made based on a case study of a Lean Six Sigma Project managed by myself together with other black belts in Europe for an IT Company. I´ll be teaching this class in October. Cheers

----- Andrey Fleury

Six Sigma is all about achieving a near "error free business performance" through the implementation of a simple performance improvement model called DMAIC or Define-Measure–Analyze-Improve-Control. * D - Define the goals of the improvement activity. * M - Measure the existing process/system. * A - Analyze the system to identify ways to eliminate the gap between current performance of the process/system and the desired target/goal. * I - Improve the process/system. * C - Control the new process/system. The Greek letter sigma (σ) is used to denote variation from a standard. Six Sigma philosophy proposes that if you measure how many defects are in a process, you can actually eliminate them by applying a specific methods and tools that will get you as close to perfection as possible. If you work for a non-Six Sigma company, you may be surprised to find out that your company spends about "25 and 40% of their revenues trying to fix problems". This is known as the Cost of Quality. If you work for a Six Sigma company, it will not be a surprise to find out that your company only spends "about 5% of revenues fixing problems." In fact, in a study presented by GE, it was estimated that the "gap between companies who are 3 to 4 Sigma and 6 Sigma was costing them between $8 billion and $12 billion per year." Sigma levels measure error rates, and it costs money...sometimes lots of money to correct an error, don't you agree? What happens if the error rate drops? Well, the sigma level goes up, and your costs decrease. Once we focus Six Sigma on a supply chain process improvement, there is no question that Six Sigma contributes positively to the supply chain. A key element to its success is to make sure that everyone that needs to be involved is involved and most significantly the executive board and corporate. Everyone needs to understand and support the Six Sigma value proposition. This does not mean that the company must become a Six Sigma organization prior to implementing a Six Sigma project in their Supply Chain

Consultative Selling

2007-02-28T22:59:00.000-06:00

The more I read the more I like it.
The consultative Selling is nicely put-together book for system level sales and marketing people.

Wimax Technology Reviwer

2006-08-03T13:55:00.000-05:00

We will publish Wimax technology and resources for general use at his blog spot.

FIBER to the Home Project

2006-08-03T13:53:00.000-05:00

The fiber to the Home Blog Sites and Information materials will be published for general reference.

Continuous Self Learning

2006-04-26T17:08:00.000-05:00

I always had problems looking for reference and things that is important and I have no background. I always found the MIT open University concept very valuable. I learning a lot materials that is important to be an entrepreneur. I request you to look into the web site below.

http://ocw.mit.edu/index.html

Enterprise Knowledge Management

2006-03-23T17:08:00.000-06:00

Keen Computer Solutions is working with TMS Asia for Enterprise Knowledge Management Portal Product.For deatils and demo request please contact me.www.tmsasia.com

Content Authoring for Webites

2006-03-13T16:56:00.000-06:00

I found the site to be very imformative:

http://www.websitetips.com/

Book that I am reading

2006-03-12T00:47:00.000-06:00

Million Dolar Consulting- Allan Weiss

Book DescriptionThe acclaimed Million Dollar Consulting gives consultants the tools and advice they need to grow a firm that rakes in at least $1 million per year. Alan Weiss, "the consultant's consultant," shows step-by-step how to raise capital, reel in new clients, set fees, accelerate growth, and more. This updated and expanded edition will appeal to both Weiss's many current fans and a whole new generation of readers looking for the best advice available for anyone who wants to build a million-dollar consulting/speaking career. Book InfoShows step by step how to raise capital, reel in new clients, set fees, accelerate growth, and more. For readers looking for the best advice available for anyone who wants to build a million-dollar consulting/speaking career. Softcover. See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details
Paperback: 292 pages
Publisher: McGraw-Hill; 3 edition (August 5, 2002)
Language: English
ISBN: 007138703X
Product Dimensions: 9.0 x 6.4 x 1.0 inches
Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds. (View shipping rates and policies)
Amazon.com Sales Rank: #4,296 in Books (See Top Sellers in Books)
Yesterday: #3,335 in Books
(Publishers and authors: improve your sales)

Hervard Business Communication Guides.

2006-03-12T00:39:00.000-06:00

I am exploring Harverd business communication series and graduate courses on business communication from Sloan School of Management. Such courses are not providde in Canadian Emginmeering/MBA schools and I find them it is very important for Small Busines and For Keen Computter Operations.As we dig though the materials ; I will post my findings.

Web Site Content for Small Software Developer

2006-03-07T22:35:00.000-06:00

Quite often, we get request for crating website for small independent software development company. We are never sure, what we must include and what we must exclude.

Please post your thoughts here.

Marketing for Small Business

2006-03-07T22:13:00.000-06:00

As with any thing marketing is the life blood of the small business.
However small businesses lacks resources and skillset to achieve this properly.

In this discussion, we want to explore what is achievable and doable for small business and company.
Here we want to summarize and debate values of eah methods.

Can Marketing be taught?

News Release - Wimax Project in Interlake

2005-09-02T13:57:00.000-05:00

News Release: For Immediate Release
August 15, 2005
Interlake Explores WiMax Portable Telephone Development
The Interlake Development Corporation currently is exploring the use of the latest WiMax technology to develop a comprehensive network for cellular-like telephone coverage within the Interlake.
Chris Pawley, chairman of the Interlake Development Corporation, and an avid user of VOIP (voice-over internet protocol) telephones, sees the potential as offering exceptional benefits to the Interlake region of the province.
"In 2003, the IDC championed expansion of high-speed Internet services that allowed thousands of the Interlake area residents and hundreds of businesses to access "high speed". That, in turn, allows us to be more competitive with urban centers. The WiMax technology will provide Wireless Internet to absolutely every household in the Interlake, and, at the same time, allow for universal access to VOIP telephone systems.
"We believe that the ability to use mobile wireless telephones will go hand in hand, meaning that every resident will be able to use a mobile telephone, in every comer of our region."
Mr. Pawley points out that the impetus for this project was two-fold.
"First, the BRAND high-speed project by the IDC, along with the Westshore project in the
Winnipeg Beach area, provided us with the technical background and increased our consumer base for broadband.
Then, our inability to convince MTS of the need to improve cellular coverage for the 25-30,000 people in Riverton & Fisher Branch, as well as the eight First Nations in the Interlake pushed us to look at alternatives."
Lynn Greenberg, chairman of the Interlake Development Corporation's Cellular Telephone committee that has been working with MTS for three years to improve cell coverage in the area, expresses his frustration. "MTS has done nothing. We need to take action on our own, if we want to improve phone service in the Interlake. If that means we approach AT&T, or Shaw Cable, or any other phone supplier, we will do it."
Pawley stresses that "lnterlakers believe they can control their own future. A group of representatives from various parts of the region have been researching the potential for a couple of years. In the past few months, we have had dozens of business people; private citizens, political representatives, and community leaders volunteer to be part of the project. Three computer firms have come forward to work with us, including TCM Electronics, Rainy Day, and Keen Computers.
In fact, two of the leading experts on WiMax and broadband services insist that the project is not only do-able, but do-able at less than it would cost us to purchase and install the equipment that
MTS demands for installing cellular coverage in only three communities - Fisher Branch and Peguis and Fisher First Nations."
Pawley also points out that the proposed business would provide high-speed at rates comparable to MTS, and telephone service, including free long distance throughout North America and all calling features, for less than $50 per month.
"Compare the phone rates alone to typical cellular costs of more than $120 per month," he says. "And, the business could be locally owned."
However, WiMax is such a new technology that the major product suppliers are only now entering the licensing phase. And Pawley concedes that the final product may not meet the hype that precedes it.

"We need to know that Interlakers, themselves, want us to proceed. And, at the same time, we know that MTS or some other provider, like Shaw, or AT&T may want to show up and pre-empt our plans. So we intend to get on this thing quickly."
Pawley concludes by asking residents to call the IDC to let them know their opinions on the topic. "Call our office at 376-5033, or email us at interlak@mts.net,he says. And no, the irony of an MTS email address is not lost on me!"

Contact: Chris Pawley or Bob Lee, IDC Box 689, Arborg, MB. ROC 0A0 376-5033

Interlake Wimax Project

2005-09-02T10:59:00.000-05:00

Interlake Wimax- Project
Interlake Development Corporation is considering Wimax Project. Please post your thoughts.Wimax is a technology that provides broadband and land phone and cell phone service using licenced andunlicenced microwave technology.for details please lookinto http://www.wimaxforum.org/.

Another useful site is www.wimax.com

The One to One future

2005-04-04T00:23:00.001-05:00

I just Picked up the Book for the Local Book Store, One to One future ISBN- 0-38548566-2.
What a excellent book. I think More books should be written with such depth and Accuracy.
I will summarize my thoughts on this later.

Motivation and Job Searching

2005-02-17T15:54:00.000-06:00

I am putingtogether an arcticle about job searching and motivation and all the related information. Onemancan blog web site is agood place to start, among other things.
I have invited lee to contribute from his pers pective. I will add my ideas here. The result will be amnual for self emplyment, entrepreneuership, Job searching for the Canadina Youth and Immigrant. You are invited to cotribute and see the work in progress in thsi blog site.

Ashoka Helps Tsunami Victims

2005-01-18T01:33:00.000-06:00

Ashoka Fellows, leveraging their existing entrepreneurial networks, are forming super networks to respond to the crisis in Asia. These networks exponentially increase the impact and reach of on-the-ground efforts through centralization, collaboration, and shared expertise. All Fellows are working on the local level and demonstrate the incredible potential for local people to do something substantial through their knowledge of what items are needed most, where, and how to get them there.
Within the Ashoka fellowship are amazing resources - Fellows who work in disaster relief, with displaced persons, in health and housing, in education, and in other related fields that will feel the effects of this crisis over the next months and years. The Ashoka fellowship has mobilized across the region to address the direct and indirect effects of the earthquake and resulting tsunami.
An example of this can be seen in Aceh, the closest land to the epicentre of the earthquake. Ashoka Fellows Amir Panzuri, Eko Teguh, Idham Ibty, Imam Azis, Muslikhin Kusma, Setyo, and We Es have organized and launched ACEH SEHATI (ONE HEART FOR ACEH) a disaster-relief operation in Indonesia. They developed the plans and the organization literally overnight to deliver a three part solution:
Immediate local relief for women and children in Indonesia in terms of food, shelter, and clothing;
Interim housing and resettlement solutions; and
long-term solutions addressing the permanent impacts to the region, including orphaned children and displaced families.
Investing in Ashoka Fellows (see the box below for some of the Ashoka Fellows working in relief operations) entails several advantages, including:
They have costs unimaginably below foreign operations and in any case propose to absorb all expenses;
They know the area and are experts at navigating its very difficult political environment (including the civil war in Aceh) whereas all outsiders so far have been frustrated in whole or in part;
They are smart, savvy, creative people with strong, motivated, honest organizations;
They will be there for the long term.
It is important to note that Ashoka Fellows working in disaster relief are primarily focused on structural change versus short-term distribution of supplies and that most are not from Aceh proper. (However, the work will soon turn to building for the future, i.e., what must come after relief and most of the expat organizations are weak here.)
Ashoka Fellows need your help to mobilize support and relief for their communities (click here to contribute). 100% of all funds donated through this link will be given directly to Ashoka Fellows working on disaster relief in the affected areas (especially children and families in Sri Lanka and Indonesia). You may also email us at tsunamirelief@ashoka.org to offer specific aid.

Humanitarian Engineers Corps Database

2005-01-10T13:29:00.000-06:00

For your information, Version 1.0 of the Humanitarian Engineers Corps Database is up and running. This free register of skills links those inneeds with those who can provide services, technologies, and solutionsto eradicate poverty in communities around the world. Web site iswww.ewb-international.org/database/ (See alsowww.ewb-international.org/VolunteerDatabase.htm).I created this database under the umbrella of EWB-International andEWB-USA and in response to the call for help following the Tsunamidisaster a couple of weeks ago. Feel free to register if you want tohelp with the reconstruction process in Asia and with other EWBprojects. Thanks in advance.Bernard AmadeiProfessor of Civil EngineeringUniversity of Colorado, 428 UCBBoulder CO 80309-0428Tel: 303-492-7734Engineering for Developing Communities <http://www.edc-cu.org/> http://www.edc-cu.org/Engineers Without Borders - International <http://www.ewb-international.org/> http://www.ewb-international.org/"If a free society cannot help the many who are poor, it cannot save thefew who are rich", J.F. Kennedy

Indian Tsunami Diplomacy

2005-01-06T13:03:00.000-06:00

India's 'tsunami diplomacy' stuns the world
By Shobori Ganguli in New Delhi
Thursday, 06 January , 2005, 12:50
India's aggressive tsunami diplomacy has puzzled major world capitals. Even as the United States is trying to acclimatise to the "stunning" realisation that India is capable of handling its own disasters, and competently so, the international media is a picture of absolute disbelief.
Killer wave hits Asia
Full Coverage
Express your sorrow
Tsunami & children
Survive a tsunami
Images: A shocked Chennai
Bloggers help victims
Contribute to the Sify-Red Cross fund
It is all very well to refuse foreign (read American) aid, but can India really afford to snub international assistance when its own disaster management mechanism is so ineffective, so sluggish?
Stung by such patronising editorial comments in the international media, India has shot back, asserting it was perfectly capable not only of addressing the crisis on its own shores but also of lending a helping hand to its tsunami-ravaged neighbours.
At a Press briefing, Foreign Secretary Shyam Saran said reports in the foreign media of how India had refused aid but was unable to take care of the consequences, are "completely misplaced."
Wondering how many actually knew that India has a full-fledged National Institute of Disaster Management, Saran said, "Right from the beginning we had the capability and the resources to successfully deal with this disaster."
In what was obviously intended for an incredulous world media, the Foreign Secretary spoke at length about the well-oiled disaster management machinery India has in place and which has been put to effective use during the current crisis.
As for the foreign aid issue which has clearly rattled Western capitals, Saran said, "We do not have a dogmatic position on this. As of now we have the capability and the resources."
He, however, mentioned that at any time India feels it requires assistance from "friendly" countries "we would not hesitate to review our approach."
Saran said the rationale behind India's refusal to accept aid was that whatever international effort was being launched, of which India itself is a part, should be directed towards those affected countries unable to manage the crisis.
"Not only have we had the confidence that we can take care of the disaster that struck our own shores, we have also been confident of assisting others affected," Saran said.
Admittedly, the United States goofed up its tsunami diplomacy even as India registered a major plus. US President George Bush's early pledge of a meagre $15 million did little to flatter America's image in Asia post-Iraq.
In fact, the US raised its contribution to $350 million only after accusations of being stingy were thrown at its face.
Consequently, it committed its armed forces for relief work and initiated a charity drive to assist what clearly is one of the biggest aid efforts in history.
In contrast, India rose above the occasion, rushing aid to Sri Lanka as early as the evening of December 26 even as it was coping with the crisis on its own territory.
Determined not to stand around as a hapless victim, India swiftly became part of the core group of four countries along side big powers like the US, Japan and Australia to coordinate aid efforts in the Sri Lanka, Thailand, Maldives and Indonesia.
India's inclusion in this group, Saran said, "was a recognition that India had the capability and the resources."
Although the core group stands disbanded now that the United Nations is coordinating the crisis management, India has registered its presence in the tsunami-affected region as a compassionate power capable of helping its neighbours even when its own shores are troubled.
Saran said, "Once the UN and its disaster relief organisation, the European Union and Canada came into the picture, the focus shifted to the operational side at the ground level. There was a consensus among the four members of the core group that the UN and its organisations were well-placed to carry out relief operations at the ground level."
In the strategic context, not many missed the implication of India first rushing aid to Sri Lanka where the US had decided to send 1500 marines and an assault ship.
India's move signalled the fact that New Delhi is fully capable of maintaining its arc of influence in the subcontinent.
At a time when the United Nations is debating the expansion of the Security Council in which India envisions a permanent seat for itself, the signal New Delhi has sent the international community's way through its tsunami relief operations is unmistakable.
If US Secretary of State Colin Powell and Florida Governor Jeb Bush, the American President's brother, are in Jakarta to attend the tsunami summit along with Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi and Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao.
External affairs Minister Natwar Singh too is in the Indonesian Capital to register India's contribution to the relief efforts.

Andaman Nicober Teen's Letter

2005-01-05T19:54:00.000-06:00

PORT BLAIR, India (AP) -- Across his tsunami-devastated island, his relatives, friends and teachers lay dead, lost in water that submerged his home. As Koshi Mackenroe John hunkered down on a hill with his parents, there was little he could do except wait for rescuers.
So the 13-year-old started writing letters.
From a forest in remote Katchall Island in India's Andaman and Nicobar archipelago, Koshi wrote page after page in his neat cursive handwriting, reporting the devastation around him and pleading for help.
"Dear Uncle," read one letter dated December 28, two days after the tsunami. "Everything is over. ... About 2,000 acres of land was overwhelmed and destroyed by the flood. We are starving over here and trying to send messages because every communications center or station is destroyed."
"I hope you will find this letter very soon... We need an immediate rescue."
Two of Koshi's letters arrived this week in Port Blair, capital of the island territory, carried by other evacuees. Volunteer groups delivered them to his uncle in the city.
Katchall Island was one of many in the 500-island chain that was badly affected. Across the archipelago, officials say more than 6,000 people are missing and believed dead. India's official death toll is near 10,000.
Mostly Christian tribe
Koshi's family, indigenous Nicobarese tribesmen, survived the waves that swept the island. Along with his father John Paul, mother Esther and sister Munni, the teenager scrambled to safety and took shelter on a hill.
From there, brokenhearted, they could see what the furious waves had done to their island. His letters, written in English and also sent to government officials, describe a bleak scene.
"From the west side, only water and water can be seen," he wrote. "There is no sign of land or island in the west. Over 2,600 people have died and more than 600 people are still missing. Less than 800 people have survived."
The Nicobarese tribe, which numbered an estimated 30,000 people before the tsunami, is the archipelago's largest. Unlike the five other tribes, who live a primitive and isolated existence, most Nicobarese are Christian converts and have been partly assimilated into contemporary society. They live in villages led by a headman and raise pigs, coconuts, yams and bananas. Many have access to English-speaking schools. Katchall was the first island to greet the sunrise at the start of the new millennia.
In a line barely visible behind an ink blot, Koshi wrote that teachers at his school were among the thousands killed.
"All the teachers except Mrs. Evelyn (with her family), Verghese and Molly Madam are dead," he said. Of his extended family, 21 survived but many others were lost.
"We are the only survivors ... and Uncle Sylvester and his wife too, but they couldn't save the lives of their three children. Nuni and everyone are dead except two kids. None from Livingstones' family has escaped. Everyone is dead or missing except his son Anthony."
Rescued by ship
Two days after the disaster, a helicopter flew overhead, raising the family's hopes. "Today the chopper was flying over; we were signaling but the chopper didn't land up here," he wrote.
News reached the family of destruction on the rest of the island. One letter lists towns where no one survived: Marine, West Bay Katchall, East Bay Katchall, Ponda, Jansin, Hittat and Mottatapu.
They "have lost their lives completely," Koshi wrote.
Eventually, the Indian government began evacuating survivors. A doctor was taken in a small boat to safer ground on a neighboring island. Perhaps their turn would come soon, Koshi wrote.
Mesmerized, the family listened to state-run All India Radio for word of an imminent rescue or the fate of their relatives on other islands.
Some relatives went searching for the bodies of family members and friends. But none could be found.
"It was heard that Car Nicobar was fully destroyed. What about our family members and (Uncle Peter) and his family?" Koshi asked.
His story ended on an upbeat note. A second letter, dated December 31, expressed heart-felt relief that the family was finally rescued by a ship searching for survivors; they were taken to a relief camp on Camorta Island.
Finally, he was safe, but the teenager still worried about his home island.
"It's been the fifth day and nobody has come to recover the dead bodies," he wrote.
"If the dead bodies won't be taken out or recovered, then it's going to be disaster for those people living there and struggling for life."

Thousands Need Water in Aceh

2005-01-04T22:12:00.000-06:00

Thousands need water in Aceh, disease emerges
04 Jan 2005 15:06:55 GMTSource: Reuters(Adds detail, quote from Australian foreign minister)
By Mia Shanley and Dean Yates
MEULABOH/BANDA ACEH, Indonesia, Jan 4 (Reuters) - Hungry and filthy, thousands of Indonesians queued for water on Tuesday as aid deliveries to tsunami-ravaged Aceh province hit new snags and cases of disease and infection among survivors emerged.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) said cases of pneumonia, diarrhoea, malaria and skin infections were appearing along with some cases of gangrene because survivors had been exposed to polluted water and not treated carefully enough.
Vijay Nath, a WHO medical officer supervising the emergency response programme in Banda Aceh said he had a fairly good picture of the health situation in the provincial capital and there had been no confirmed cases of cholera.
"But on the west coast, we just don't know what is happening," he said.
With aid relief efforts in full swing in Banda Aceh, focus has now turned to the town of Meulaboh, 175 km (109 miles) to the southwest and just 150 km (93 miles) from the epicentre of the Dec. 26 quake. Officials estimate one third of the 120,000 people in the town were killed by the ensuing tsunami.
"The casualty rates in Meulaboh defy imagination," said Aitor Lacomba, Indonesian director of aid group International Rescue Committee. "Tens of thousands need immediate assistance there."
The International Red Cross said it would now focus on Meulaboh, making it an aid staging post. Japanese, Spanish and Singaporean medical teams are already operating out of the town.
"There is a strong smell of putrefaction and, whilst body retrieval has commenced, it can be assumed that there are still hundreds, possibly thousands of bodies remaining underneath the debris," said Red Cross engineer Sara Escudero.
Said Taufik, 40, who owned a furniture store in Meulaboh, lost nine family members including his wife, son and father.
"I'd never heard the word tsunami before but I was standing near the beach and I saw the water pull away about 10 metres (11 yards) and I just started running," he told Reuters.
A Singapore military medical unit has set up in Meulaboh and a surgical team established on Monday saw 150 patients in the first few hours, mainly with upper respiratory infections, unspecified infectious diseases, wounds and diarrhoea.
A U.S. Marine amphibious group with three vessels and 10 heavy and medium-lift helicopters off the coast of Medan, 450 km southeast of Banda Aceh, plans to take supplies to Meulaboh.
"BLESS YOU MISTER"
In total, more than 94,000 people were killed by the tsunami in Aceh -- a province of about four million at the northern tip of the island of Sumatra -- making up two thirds of the total known toll from the Indian Ocean disaster of about 145,000.
The Indonesian Health Ministry said nearly 400,000 people were refugees in Aceh.
Parts of Banda Aceh city were deserted on Tuesday, especially the downtown area near the waterfront, where buildings were flattened by the quake and killer waves. Small fires smouldered in a desperate attempt to burn stacks of debris.
In front of a collapsed shopping mall where food and water were being distributed, at least 1,000 people queued for water from a private aid station set up by businessmen.
Volunteers handed out rice, marking people's fingers with ink that would wash off after a day to allow them to collect more.
"If you don't live in a refugee camp, you have to queue like this. It's very hard for us also out here," Ramzi, 27, told Reuters as he queued for water. He said he and 15 relatives were living in a house undamaged by the tsunami.
The main airport in Banda Aceh, a key hub for relief flights, was closed to fixed-wing aircraft for much of Tuesday after a cargo plane's landing gear collapsed in the early hours. The plane was finally dragged off the runway in late afternoon.
The World Food Programme said the plane had hit a buffalo.
While the vital runway was out of action, helicopters continued to fly in and out, but a Singaporean soldier said a backlog of aid-laden planes built up in Medan.
In Banda Aceh city earlier, an Australian military water purification station doled out large plastic bags of water.
"This is probably the most important thing. If they can get clean water, it's going to have a major impact," Australian air force Corporal Peter Clarke said.
"People want to shake your hand. They say 'bless you mister'. They say 'Indonesia has problems, but you help us'."
Australian Foreign Minister Alexander Downer will meet his Indonesian counterpart, Hassan Wirajuda, in Jakarta on Wednesday to discuss what more Australia can do to help.
"Australia and Indonesia, in the last 50 years, have sometimes agreed and sometimes not agreed, but I want Indonesia to know that if ever there is disaster in Indonesia we will always be there to help," Downer told reporters on Tuesday.
(Additional reporting by Darren Whiteside in Banda Aceh, Telly Nathalia and Michael Perry in Jakarta and Lenita Sulthani in Medan

Rescue Choppers Cheered in Aceh

2005-01-03T14:55:00.001-06:00

Rescue choppers cheered in Aceh, children suffer
03 Jan 2005 11:31:22 GMTSource: Reuters(Adds detail on life returning to normal in Banda Aceh)
By Dean Yates and Tomi Soetjipto
BANDA ACEH, Indonesia, Jan 3 (Reuters) - U.S. helicopters shuttled the injured and the homeless, many of them children, out of some of the worst-hit parts of tsunami-devastated Aceh province on Monday, as reports surfaced of trafficking in orphans from the disaster.
Pilots skimmed low over flattened villages and jungles on the west coast of Sumatra island looking for signs of life, touching down briefly to collect the badly injured and fling out packages of food and water.
"They were ecstatic as we flew in. They were blowing us kisses. I think they were really amazed to see us, although some of the children seemed a bit spooked," U.S. Seahawk pilot Lt. Cmdr. Joel Moss told Reuters after his second mission.
"Yesterday was the best day of flying ever in my career. My mission is normally combat and search and rescue. We are picking up people, giving out food. I could do this for a year. None of us wants to go home."
Pilots described ragged columns of people trudging up the coast towards the provincial capital Banda Aceh, while others camped out above the high-water line.
Some had reached a village about 10 km (6 miles) inland where Moss said a huge 'H' had been laid out on the ground to guide rescuers, and about 400 people rushed out of the trees as they landed.
"All the villagers started coming out of the woodwork, telling us they needed help. They said there were a lot more wounded people further inland up in the mountains," he said.
Aid workers say some of the worst affected by the Dec. 26 quake and tsunami were children, who account for a large portion of the nearly 100,000 Indonesians killed.
Many of those who survived have lost their entire families.
CHILD TRAFFICKING
Indonesian officials said meanwhile that they had launched an investigation into unconfirmed reports of child trafficking in the wake of the disaster that wiped whole towns off the map.
"We cannot say that it has happened, because at the moment it is a chaotic situation. However, the ministry will investigate as we cannot tolerate such a thing," said Makmur Sunusi, a social ministry official.
The health ministry on Monday raised the Indonesian death toll by more than 13,000 to 94,081, eight days after massive waves swept across parts of Aceh province's coastal plain.
Banda Aceh airport was a hive of activity, with huge military transport planes taking off and landing, and choppers disgorging survivors.
A sea of tents with fluttering flags marking the bases for aid organisations, foreign military and U.N. agencies greeted stunned villagers, many of whom had never flown before.
"Without that helicopter we would still be walking. They saved us," Zainuddin, a 25-year-old farmer, told Reuters.
He had welts on his hands and feet and said his small village had been wiped out by the tsunami, along with four others nearby.
At villages where the injured were collected, dozens of starving survivors rushed to landing choppers, forcing air crews to fend them off and pilots to occasionally abort landings.
Returning from one flight, Jim Schulz, a photographer from U.S. magazine Stars & Stripes, said people were wrestling each other for food and running off with it after grabbing a box.
"It was an absolute mob," he said.
In Banda Aceh city, where as many as 30,000 of the pre-tsunami population of 300,000 are feared dead, there were signs of life returning to normal with a few street markets and even banks reopening and power and water restored in areas that had not been hit directly by the killer waves.
In one area, two elephants were put to work clearing rubble in the search for survivors and the dead.
The stench of death hung heavily in the air with thousands of corpses still littering the rubble of destroyed homes, shops and other businesses, adding to fears of disease. (Additional reporting by Muklis Ali in Jakarta)

Rescue Choppers Cheered in Aceh

2005-01-03T14:55:00.000-06:00

Musim Hands UK Helps Tsunami Victims in Aceh

2005-01-03T14:38:00.000-06:00

Muslim Hands - UKWebsite: http://www.muslimhands.orgMuslim Hands relief team arrives in Aceh to help the victims of 'Tsunami'.
03 January 2005- Muslim Hands Office, Nottingham.
Muslim Hands South East Asia is handling and financing the distribution of food, water and survival kits with the aid of la arge volunteer team, numbering in 100's, in Jakarta, Medan and Aceh.
Survival kits include: Sleeping Mats / Blankets Plastic Sheets Washing powder/soaps Cooking Utensils Plates/Cups etc.
Local Indonesian donors have been particular generous with donations in kind such as food and clothes.
"Medical need is the most great. Disease is a waiting time bomb" said our MH representative in Medan. Hence MH is spending much more on medicine than ever before.
The refugees in Medan are now beginning to suffer the effects of living rough on the streets. MH is effectively reaching the most effected area reachable.
Muslim Hands has already appealed to the UK public to help the victims of Tsunami disaster. Your support is desperately needed to reach the victims of this catastrophe.
For more information about Muslim Hands in general or to donate on line, visit our website: www.muslimhands.org or contact Mr Aamer Naeem on +44(0)115 911 7222.

Uk Girl 10 Saves Tourist after Raising Tsunami Warning

2005-01-03T14:35:00.000-06:00

UK girl, 10, saves tourists after raising tsunami warning
02 Jan 2005 16:57:52 GMTSource: ReutersLONDON, Jan 2 (Reuters) - A 10-year-old British girl saved 100 other tourists from the Asian tsunami having warned them a giant mass of water was on its way after learning about the phenomenon weeks earlier at school, a newspaper reported.
"I was on the beach and the water started to go funny," Tilly Smith told the Sun at the weekend from Phuket, Thailand.
"There were bubbles and the tide went out all of a sudden. I recognised what was happening and had a feeling there was going to be a tsunami. I told mummy."
While other holidaymakers stood and stared as the disappearing waters left boats and fish stranded on the sands, Tilly recognised the danger signs because she had done a school project on giant waves caused by underwater earthquakes.
Quick action by Tilly's mother and Thai hotel staff meant Maikhao beach was quickly cleared, just minutes before a huge wave crashed ashore. The beach was one of the few on the Thai island of Phuket where no was killed.
Her teacher, Andrew Kearney, paid tribute to his quick-thinking student.
"Tilly is a very bright, level-headed girl ... it is an incredible coincidence that our class were learning about this type of tsunami just two weeks before Christmas," he told the newspaper.
On Sunday, the British Foreign Office said 40 Britons were confirmed dead from the Dec. 26 tsunami which claimed some 130,000 victims. The toll is expected to rise.

German Tsunami Web Links

2005-01-02T15:15:00.000-06:00

http://ww1.mid-day.com/news/nation/2004/december/100557.htm
http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,1564,1442282,00.html
http://www.dw-world.de/dw/globalsearch/1,1415,266,00.html
http://www.newkerala.com/news-daily/news/features.php?action=fullnews&id=50768
http://www.newkerala.com/news-daily/news/features.php?action=fullnews&id=52708
http://www.magazin-deutschland.de/dland_news.php?id=113
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=10000100&sid=aOmaOSWnupx0&refer=germany
http://frankwarner.typepad.com/free_frank_warner/2004/12/amazons_tsunami.html

Autralian Army Fixes Aceh Water Supply- Thanks Guys

2005-01-02T03:04:00.000-06:00

Aussies fix Aceh water supplyFrom correspondents in Banda AcehJanuary 02, 2005
AUSTRALIAN army engineers are staving off deadly typhoid and cholera in tsunami-hit Banda Aceh by bringing clean water to the devastated city.A team a 10 combat engineers from Darwin and five environmental health assessors were cracking open the city's main water lines to attach a mobile water purification plant.
They plan to have it running by tomorrow.
"We will be able to distribute fresh water to aid agency trucks and run it out into taps as well," warrant officer Allan Lewis told AAP.
"We can't supply all the water they need, but we'll make a big dent in it."

The trailer-mounted unit was the first of two Australia will send to the earthquake and tsunami shattered province, where the eventual death toll is expected to top 100,000.
Rotting bodies continue to litter rivers and harbours.
Sewage could also contaminate water supplies and there are fears that an epidemic could pile fresh tragedy upon the devastated region.
Health experts have warned disease could double the death toll from last Sunday's epic natural disaster, which struck shores as far afield as India and Sri Lanka, killing more than 127,000.
Lewis said water would be filtered through charcoal and super-chlorinated through a series of holding tanks, producing up to 500,000 litres a fresh water each day.
Even before the disaster water supplies in the region were not completely safe.
"In Aceh they usually draw water from wells and then boil everything," he said.
"With this many of them will be able to get clean water from their taps and we can stop them having to boil it."
The head of Australia's medical team in Banda Aceh, wing commander Greg Norman, from Sydney, said a second water plant was expected within days.
Engineers also hoped to fix the city's damaged filtration plant.

Another Appeal for Futher U.S. Aid

2005-01-02T02:58:00.000-06:00

Another appeal for further U.S. Aid
From a post by Seth Green at Tsunami Help:The non-partisan Americans for Informed Democracy (http://www.aidemocracy.org/) has launched a letter signing effort that seeks to ensure a principled U.S. response to the tsunami disaster: see www.principledleadership.org . Often, U.S. policymakers believe that taxpayers feel burdened by U.S. development and disaster aid. As American citizens who deeply care about the victims of the tsunami disaster, Americans for Informed Democracy wants to ensure that policymakers know that American taxpayers stand behind South and Southeast Asia. The group is encouraging all U.S. citizens to visit http://www.principledleadership.org/, sign on to the letter, and share the site with their colleagues.(For more on this effort, see a piece in the Nation magazine at http://www.thenation.com/blogs/actnow?bid=4&pid=2092)Seth Green, seth.green AT yale d-o-t edu, (202) 270 6268, http://www.aidemocracy.org/

Doctors of the World-USA Mobilizing Support

2005-01-02T02:51:00.000-06:00

Doctors of the World-USA mobilizing support to aid victims of tsunami-earthquake
01 Jan 2005 18:10:00 GMTSource: NGO latestDoctors of the World - USA logo" src="http://www.alertnet.org/thefacts/imagerepository/233972" width=111> Doctors of the World - USAWebsite: http://doctorsoftheworld.org/Doctors of the World-USA, the US delegation of the international network of Doctors of the World/Medecins du Monde, is collecting funds to support the relief efforts of its sister organizations including Doctors of the World/Medecins du Monde France and Spain who are currently in Sri Lanka and Indonesia providing direct assistance to the victims of the earthquake and tsunami disasters

Russian Scientist Wanrs of Another Major Tsunami

2005-01-01T21:56:00.000-06:00

Russian scientist warns of another major tsunami
12/30/2004 17:22
Russian scientist Evgeny Dolginov has warned of a series of yet another wave of major earthquakes to hit the countries situated within the equatorial zone.
"I would like to warn the countries situated in close proximity to the equator about the possibility of major quakes in that area," stated professor at the Russian People's Friendship University, director of geological-mineral sciences Evgeny Dolgivov.
"According to my theory, there exist latitudinal lineaments (cracks of the earth's core), which pose potential danger in terms of seismic activity. If we are to follow equatorial crack westward of South East Asia, we could expect rather serious seismic cataclysms in Equatorial Guinea, Cameroon, Nigeria and Gabon," informed the professor.
According to him, earthquakes are also likely to hit equatorial countries of South America. Southern part of Ecuador and the islands in close proximity to it will be most susceptible to the quake. Should the sea quake occur, the wave can easily cover the entire southern part of Colombia, Ecuador and northern part of Peru, noted Dolginov Ph.D.
Dolginov has come up with a new theory of latitudinal lineaments, which according to the professor, had emerged during earth's early stages of development, reports "Interfax".Such cracks tend to become seismically active from time to time. In a place where such cracks intersect seismically active zones (i.e. meridian), these zones become most dangerous in regards to earthquakes. This was exactly what happened in South-East Asia, considers the scientist.

Tsunami Relief Work by Seva Bhrathi Tamilnadu

2005-01-01T16:07:00.000-06:00

Tsunami Relief Work By Seva Bharathi Tamilnadu As On 31.12.2004

For latest updates on the crisis and more information on Sewa International, visit: http://www.sewausa.org and http://www.sewainternational.org

At Nagappattinam : In the worst hit Nagappattinam district alone, 700 Seva Bharathi volunteers are engaged in the relief as on date. They have removed and disposed of 1,759 dead bodies. In the District, out of the 57 Coastal villages, 38 have been affected. Out of them 21 Villages have been totally destroyed. So far the District has seen a death toll of more than 7,000 people. 20,000 people have been affected. The fate of 4,000 people is not known. The Seva Bharathi volunteers have distributed 40,000 food packets so far. Yesterday (December 30) alone 6,000 food packets where distributed. Also they distributed clothes, blankets and medicines to the affected people. 8 teams of doctors are also engaged in extending medical treatment. In places like Keechangkuppam, Papa Koil etc., where the situation is so bad that even the Govt. officials dreaded to venture in, Seva Bharathi volunteers were engaged in rescue and relief work. They removed many dead bodies, which were badly decomposed. It is to be noted that even after theDistrict Collector’s orders, the Govt. employees didn’t go there. SEVA BHARATHI has installed a mineral water plant in Tiruvarur. This plant has started supplying 20,000 litres of pure drinking water, which has become scarce, to the affected people everyday. At Kanyakumari : Right from day one, Volunteers have been engaged in rescue and relief work with courage and daring. They took the people who had lost their homes to safe places. They retrieved 70 bodies from the AVM canal in Koottumangalam, Mandaikadu and Ettimadai areas and sent them to the Mortuary. They rendered medical assistance to 400 people staying in temporary camps. On the 26th food was given to 77 people. On December 27, senior SEVA BHARATHI workers met the PA to the Collector. On his advice, under the guidance of Sri.Radhakrishnan Tahsildar, 210 Seva Bharathi Volunteers retrieved 60 dead bodies from a canal. The govt. found it very difficult to identify and hand over the bodies strewn in the Kolachal General Hospital to their relatives. The Seva Bharathi Volunteers helped the Govt. officers in this task. The Seva Bharathi Volunteers did the job in a calm, kind and methodical manner. Everyone praised their work. One of the dead was a vendor of sweets from Uttar Pradesh. The Seva Bharathi Volunteers helped his son Sri.Rajkumar in cremating his father’s body. Because Rajkumar had difficulty with Tamil, he could not communicate with the local people. Volunteers helped him by explaining to him in Hindi the procedure for getting government assistance. When the Seva Bharathi Volunteers were engaged in relief work in Kottilpadu village they were alerted by sounds of “please save” from inside a thorny bush when they approached, the place it was found that a lady was fighting for her life. She had been there for two days. She was immediately rescued and taken to Kolachal GH. Seva Bharathi Volunteers also removed 6 dead bodies from the same bush. On December 28, Seva Bharathi Volunteers helped members of 20 families of Sambasiva Puram in Kolachal who had lost their houses and all belongings. 7 People had lost their life there. Seva Bharathi Volunteers made them stay in V.K.P high school in Kolachal and extended medical help to them. They also registered their names with the officials and helped them to get rice and other things. The Seva Bharathi Volunteers arranged for the disbursal of Rs.2,000 and clothes from the Govt. They also helped 25 families to get Rs.1,000 each from the Ramakrishna Mutt, Chennai. It was given through the Sri Vivekananda Ashram at Vellimalai. In the next phase the SEVA BHARATHI is planning to extend the relief work to Veerabhaghupathy and Sothavalai Villages.A UNITED VILLAGE: Devaneri Kuppam (near Mahabalipuram)Devaneri kuppam is a village situated very near the world famous architectural marvel of Mahabalipuram on the Coast of the Bay of Bengal. It is a predominantly fishing village. It had 300 houses out of which 120 have been totally destroyed. Even the 30 houses, which are built with mortar and cement, are badly damaged. SEVA BHARATHI Volunteers are engaged in extending relief to the people there. They distributed food packets and biscuits to the people. It was a sight to witness when, the unruly crowd was regulated in an orderly queue by the village elders and the head men themselves. They then received the relief materials from the Seva Bharathi Volunteers. When towards the end 5 Children were left out because the stock of biscuits ran out, the villagers asked several children who had already received the same, to share their biscuits with those children. The villagers said that all the people in the village are very much united in everything they do. The Seva Bharathi Volunteers also had brought some clothes for distribution. But seeing that it was not enough for all the villagers they told the Seva Bharathi Volunteers that the clothes may be kept in their custody and they may be distributed when enough clothes are brought in future. All this shows how disciplined and dignified the villagers are even in the face of the worst calamity. The Villagers told that they were saved only by the grace of the Gangai Amman, the Presiding Deity of the village. They narrated how the 8 foot high idol of the Devi remained intact while the main door and the door of the sanctum sanctorum of the temple were washed away by the waves. Because all the boats and fishing nets have been destroyed, they are badly in need of these to carry on their livelihood. They told Volunteers that on an average each family used to earn Rs.1500 per day. They recalled the incident when they watched on T.V the victims of the 2001 Gujarat Earthquake rushing to get food packets air dropped to them. At the time they were wondering why these people were running after food packets. Ironically, they are placed in a similar situation now. They said they never imagined that one day they would also face a similar problem. (Released by Media Centre, Chennai).

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Some AId Reaches Aceh Homeless Amid Rotting Corps

2005-01-01T15:55:00.000-06:00

Some aid reaches Aceh homeless amid rotting corpses
01 Jan 2005 13:07:59 GMTSource: Reuters(Adds quotes, detail throughout)
By Dean Yates and Tomi Soetjipto
BANDA ACEH, Indonesia, Jan 1 (Reuters) - Substantial help finally began reaching refugees in Indonesia's devastated Aceh province on Saturday, and the U.S. military arrived in force to speed the flow of critically needed aid.
Supplies had started pouring into the airport at the provincial capital, Banda Aceh, on Friday, but much had failed to get out to the nearly 110,000 made homeless by Sunday's massive earthquake and the powerful tsunami it triggered.
In the heart of Banda Aceh on Saturday, bulldozers cleared a path through the destruction left by the tsunami and bodies could be seen sticking out of piles of debris nearly four metres (12 ft) high that eerily line the streets.
Elsewhere birds picked at hundreds of bloated, decaying corpses clogging a canal cutting through the provincial capital and filling the air with a nauseating stench. Fishermen tried desperately to salvage their boats as torrential rain cleared. "We are working day and night, but the tragedy is bigger than anyone can imagine," Indonesia's Chief Social Welfare Minister Alwi Shihab told Reuters. "The aftermath is an even greater challenge and trauma."
Hundreds of survivors gathered at Banda Aceh's airport on Saturday, captivated by the hive of activity created by five U.S. Sea Hawk helicopters, Singaporean military Super Puma choppers and Australian and Indonesian Hercules transports.
"We just got here, we're here to help and we're going to keep working until the mission is done ... Where they say they need (aid) we will move it," Capt Larry Burt, commander of U.S. Carrier Air Wing Two, told Reuters in an interview.
The disaster is now known to have killed more than 80.000 people on northern Sumatra island, all but a handful of them in Aceh. Officials say the final toll may exceed 100,000.
But while aid was finally getting through to some of the needy after days of delay -- a refugee camp at a mosque in Banda Aceh had ample supplies of food early on Saturday -- many were still searching for help as the world saw in the new year.
Ramli Ali has been walking for six days along the west coast of Aceh surviving on coconuts, trying to reach Banda Aceh after the town of Calang, 150 km (94 miles) south of the provincial capital, was wiped out by the tsunami.
"It's the corpses. I'm afraid of the corpses, especially at night. At night I try to sleep in the hills among the trees, but I can't, I always think of the corpses," Ali told Reuters near the town of Leupung, 40 km southwest of Banda Aceh.
"I have seen so many bodies on the road, so very many."
DEVASTATION
Faced with the possible spread of disease from polluted water supplies and the hundreds of bodies lying untouched, some survivors -- many in face masks -- began to flee Banda Aceh.
At the same time others were returning to try to retrieve anything left. Cars were being towed out of the mud, there was more traffic on the roads and markets were re-opening. Long queues began to form for kerosene.
Survivors carrying meagre belongings arrived in Banda Aceh from devastated Aceh Island to be taken to a refugee camp.
"The island was totally destroyed. We have no life there any more," said Mauruf, 32, a farmer.
Nature itself continued to be unkind, with early morning rain dampening spirits and quake aftershocks throughout the day -- including one with a magnitude of 6.5 -- rattling homes and shelters, sending many people scurrying outside.
Razali, 33, said there was enough food at his refugee camp, but people needed medical help. "We need doctors. The children are sick, they have worms and fever."
A U.N. health official, who declined to be named, said aid workers were seeing a lot of infected injuries among children, respiratory tract illness, diarrhoea and mothers struggling to feed their babies because they could not produce any milk.
The Indian Ocean quake and tsunami are estimated to have killed more than 127,000 in the region. Millions are homeless.
Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono inspected aid cargo in Banda Aceh on Saturday and spoke to relief workers.
Yudhoyono also made a brief visit to the town of Meulaboh, just 150 km from the epicentre of the earthquake where officials estimated 40,000 of the 120,000 residents had perished.
"(We) need to fix the airport in Meulaboh so aircraft other than helicopters can help sending the supplies. We also need heavy equipment to clear the city," Yudhoyono told reporters.
But even in Aceh, some had started looking to the future.
"One has to be optimistic even in times like this. My house is destroyed, but at least all my family members survived, that gives hope," said Hasra, 24, a university student studying Islamic philosophy.

America Unleases a Wave of Assistance

2004-12-31T16:35:00.000-06:00

America unleashes a tidal wave of assistance
Source: Drudge Report (http://www.drudgereport.com/)Uncle Sam has increased its aid assistance to $350 Million. Yes, that's $350 million, not $35 million. The gesture will not be forgotten by the world. For just one brief moment, let us put our political differences behind us and thank the USA for making this possible."No need for greed and hunger/A brotherhood of man"

The best part is Colin Powell will be coordinator of Tsunami relief. I have alway admired Colin Powell. I always wanted to learn a xillion of things from him. I am happy that without doubt the aid cordination process is in the most capable hand. Tapas Shome - Thank You USA.

200 Bodies Wash Up on Beach in Port Blair

2004-12-31T15:43:00.000-06:00

Asutralian Breaking News

200 bodies wash up on beachFrom correspondents in Port Blair, IndiaJanuary 1, 2005
ABOUT 200 bodies were found today on a beach in India's tsunami-ravaged Andamans and Nicobar archipelago, a police official said, raising the official death toll in the island chain to 912."It could be more," Andamans police chief Samsher Deol told a media conference late today, referring to the numbers of bodies found on Car Nicobar island.
Relief workers said it appeared the bodies had been washed up on the beach of Car Nicobar, which bore some of the brunt of Sunday's giant waves that killed at least 125,000 people across Asia.
Andamans chief secretary V V Bhatt, the archipelago's senior bureaucrat, said another 712 bodies discovered after the tsunami had now been either cremated or buried.
A total of 3754 people were still listed as missing while 7,853 people had been evacuated from devastated areas, he said.

The Andaman and Nicobar isles are close to the epicentre of the Indonesian earthquake that triggered the waves and most buildings in Port Blair are showing cracks or have been substantially damaged by the quake.
Police had earlier said at least 4000 perished in Sunday's disaster while residents estimate that the real death toll in the islands is closer to 10,000.
The home ministry in New Delhi said that on mainland southern India about 7763 people were confirmed dead, according to the latest toll. Agence France-Presse

Horror as India Collects its Dead

2004-12-31T15:39:00.000-06:00

Horror as India collects its dead Katie Hamann in NagapattinumJanuary 01, 2005
ROTTING corpses were still being dragged from sand dunes and out of flattened shanties in the southern Indian district of Nagapattinum yesterday.Criticism of the Indian Government's slow response in mobilising resources is mounting as local authorities struggle to dispose of the bodies and provide much-needed relief.
"We have laymen pulling bodies out of houses," said Thomas Johns, Red Cross district secretary for Erode, 400km from Nagapattinum.
"They may be exposed to many infections. We do not know the condition of the bodies - it should be done by experts."
On the beach, the blackened, bloated corpse of a young girl lay half concealed by a sand bank. Young boys stood around in open-toed shoes poking at her remains with bamboo sticks.
Bits of flesh had been torn from her limbs by vultures that were circling the beach. Dogs had also been seen foraging for dead bodies.
"If you dig here and there, you can still find a lot of bodies," Mr Johns said.
"There's been a lack of manpower and equipment. This is a small place, people should have been pulled from other areas."
Further inland, the twisted limb of a male poked out of the debris, his hand reaching out from beneath a steel fence that had run along the side of a nearby rail line. Its tracks had been ripped from their sleepers and scattered around the village.
Mr Johns drove through the night on Sunday with 18 volunteers and 60,000 rupees ($1800) worth of medicine, non-perishable foods, dressings and innoculations.
"We couldn't even find an official to hand the equipment to," he said.
"In the end, we couldn't wait for the government and we handed stuff to the beneficiaries directly."
In the midst of Mr Johns' complaints, a government official strode up.
"Don't talk to the press, no interviews, no interviews," he said, sweeping Mr Johns aside.
Mr Johns echoed a universal concern made by Indians that too much time and effort had been spent concentrating on touring the VIPs, taking manpower away from the clean-up and rescue efforts.
The director of medical and rural health service, Dr N.Kalyanasuncaram, offered assurances the situation was under control.
"In terms of manpower we are self-sufficient. Drugs and vaccines we are sufficient," he said. "There is a very slight risk of an epidemic breaking out but we are taking all the precautions against this happening."
Dr Kalyanasuncaram said the main priorities were disposing of bodies and the provision of food, water, clothes, shelter and medical supplies.
"Unicef is here," he said.
"They have brought a lot of aid, manpower and experts in sanitation."

Appeal from Delhi Tsunami Relief Committee

2004-12-31T15:18:00.000-06:00

Cross Posted from Other Blog

Appeal from Delhi Tsunami Relief Committee
From Habitat International Coalition website, crossposted at TsunamiHelp:Five days after the tsunami of 26 December, news continues to pour in of increasing number of deaths and destruction of homes and livelihoods in South and South East Asia. UN agencies, governments and civil society groups all over the world have launched several relief and rehabilitation initiatives. Unfortunately due to the massive scale of destruction, there is an urgent need to step up efforts.While there is an immediate need to contribute towards relief operations which includes provision of drinking water, food, blankets and medical assistance, we also need to keep in mind that reconstruction and restoration of homes and livelihoods, particularly of fishing communities who have suffered the most, will be one of our biggest challenges over the next few months.At the South Asia Regional Programme of Habitat International Coalition - Housing and Land Rights Network (HIC-HLRN), we are in touch with partner organisations in affected areas and trying to raise funds to meet relief and rehabilitation needs. In New Delhi, we are a part of a consortium of concerned organisations and individuals that has come together to form the Delhi Tsunami Relief Committee to coordinate assistance and support to local organisations involved in the relief efforts. The Committee has agreed to focus on the most severely affected areas of the Andaman and Nicobar islands and in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu. The Committee has also agreed to focus primarily on rehabilitation of the displaced and restoration of livelihoods.For those interested in contributing to this effort, listed below are a few options1. Delhi Tsunami Relief Fund,Indian Social Institute,10, Institutional Area, Lodhi Road, New Delhi 110 003, India2. Association for India's Development (AID),P.O. Box F, College Park,MD-20741, USA.Association for India's Development (AID) working among affected communities in Tamil Nadu in southern India. Contributions to AID can be made through secure on-line credit-card deductions from AID's website: http://survivors.aidindia.org/ where further details and updates will also be made available. Please indicate that your contribution is for the "Relief and Rehabilitation Fund". Contributions can also be sent by check made payable to "AID" mailed to: Please indicate "Relief and Rehabilitation Fund" in the check memo.In India, cheques for AID can be mailed to AID-India, Old No 132, New No 242, Avvai Shanmugam Road, Gopalapuram, Chennai - 600 086, Tamil Nadu, India.3. Our partners in Sri Lanka - Institute of Social Development is engaged in relief efforts in the eastern province of Sri Lanka and are in urgent need for funds. We request you to kindly support their efforts. For details contact K.Yogeswary at kandyisd AT sltnet D-O-T lkFor questions on relief efforts in India and Sri Lanka or on contributions to the Delhi Tsunami Relief Committee and Association for India's Development please contact Malavika Vartak at mvartak AT hic-sarp D-O-T org or Vishal Thakre at vthakre AT hic-sarp D-O-T orgWe will continue to send you regular updates on relief and reconstruction efforts and on ways in which you can contribute.HIC-HLRN will continue to work with affected communities beyond immediate relief, and into the second stage where will seek to ensure that the human rights approach is adopted in all rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts.We look forward to your supportIn solidarityMiloon Kothari, Priti Darooka, Malavika Vartak, Shivani Chaudhry, Vishal ThakreSouth Asia Regional Programme (SARP)Habitat International Coalition Housing and Land Rights Network (HLRN)B-28 Nizamuddin EastNew Delhi 110 013IndiaTel/Fax: 00 91 11 2435 8492web: www.hic-sarp.org

The Australian- Breaking News

2004-12-31T15:09:00.000-06:00

Indon army continues Aceh attacksFrom correspondents in JakartaDecember 31, 2004
THE Indonesian military continues to launch raids against separatist rebels in tsunami-devastated Aceh province, despite having earlier called a ceasefire to assist aid efforts."Our security operations continue," Lieutenant Colonel Nachrowi of the military headquarters general information department said.
"The only difference is that it may be less in scale and intensity.
"The principle is that all our forces in Aceh are basically continuing their duty under the security operation.
But they also have to accord a large portion of their time for the humanitarian relief efforts.
"We continue to launch raids into suspected GAM (Free Aceh Movement) areas and our vigilance remains high."
Lt-Col Nachrowi's comments come despite Indonesian military chief General Endriartono Sutarto previously calling for an unprecedented temporary ceasefire with the rebels to help rebuild the remote province.
"All my soldiers will be used to help overcome this natural disaster and I hope that GAM will also do the same, not using the opportunity for something else because this is really something to do with humanitarian problems," Gen Sutarto said on Monday.
Much of the western coast of Aceh, including the capital, Banda Aceh, was demolished in the massive tsunamis triggered by a 9.0-magnitude earthquake in the ocean 150km from the province.
The Indonesian death toll from the tsunamis has reached nearly 80,000 people, with most of the fatalities in Aceh, and the figure is expected to climb further as rescue workers reach remote towns and villages.
The inability to quickly rebuild infrastructure in Aceh is being partly attributed to the decades-old insurgency that has claimed the lives of tens of thousands of people.
The Free Aceh Movement has been fighting for independence since 1976, and the Indonesian Government stepped up its military suppression efforts with a massive operation that began in May 2003.
Amid the apparent calls for ceasefire, Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono urged GAM rebels yesterday to lay down their weapons and join efforts to rebuild Aceh.
"I call on those who are still raising arms, to come out... let us use this historic momentum to join and be united again," Mr Yudhoyono said.
"I call on them all, let us together build an Aceh in line with the special autonomy and according to what we can do together."

Aid Chenni Office- Latest Relaease

2004-12-31T14:57:00.000-06:00

Update from Chennai - V

Update From Balaji: [Dec 31, 8AM IST]

AID Chennai Office Coordination: Entire relief coordination happening thro AID Chennai office. After collecting relief materials, trucks are leaving everyday from Chennai office. 6-7 trucks everyday along with volunteers.

Core volunteers have gone to set up centers in Nagapattinam, Cuddalore, Kanchi. Working with a number of local organizations. Hardest hit areas areas are Cuddalore, Nagipatnam. AID Chennai has set up 5 centers, which act as coordination points. AID volunteers are manning the centers. Feedback from these centers regarding what is needed is conveyed to the 5 centers and from there to the office in Chennai.

List of things required is changing everyday. \\\\r\n \\\ \\\\r\n \\\Currently the volunteers are engaged in debris\r\nclearance, bodies are being cleared.\ \Wherever\r\nthe govt is working and providing relief AID is not working in those\r\nvillages to avoid duplication of effort. In remote villages, AID is\r\nconcentrating its effort. \\\\r\n \\\ \\\\r\n \\\In Chennai , Nagipattinam things are going\r\nwell. In Pondicherry govt is doing a good job with R&R work.\\\\r\n \\\ \\\\r\n \\\500 Cr rupees has been sanctioned for long term\r\nrelief by the govt. In order to better utilise the resources the idea\r\nis to form cooperatives and provide some boats to these cooperatives.\r\nThere is also a need to reconstruct houses, and provide means to\r\ngetting back their livelihood. Ensure that boats are given to\r\ncooperative so that people can use it together. All the relief groups\r\nshould come together to form a collective. In Kanyakumari, the NGO’s\r\nhave come together to form collective. In Nagai and Cuddalore yet to\r\nform.\\\\r\n \\\ \\\\r\n \\\ \\\\r\n \\\Relief work will go up and relief support will\r\ngo down over the next few weeks. Currently AID Chennai and TNSF can\r\nhandle relief efforts only in TN. AID Bangalore and AID Chennai are\r\ncoordinating efforts in TN. ",1]
);
//-->List of things required is changing everyday.

Currently the volunteers are engaged in debris clearance, bodies are being cleared. Wherever the govt is working and providing relief AID is not working in those villages to avoid duplication of effort. In remote villages, AID is concentrating its effort.

In Chennai , Nagipattinam things are going well. In Pondicherry govt is doing a good job with R&R work.

500 Cr rupees has been sanctioned for long term relief by the govt. In order to better utilise the resources the idea is to form cooperatives and provide some boats to these cooperatives. There is also a need to reconstruct houses, and provide means to getting back their livelihood. Ensure that boats are given to cooperative so that people can use it together. All the relief groups should come together to form a collective. In Kanyakumari, the NGO's have come together to form collective. In Nagai and Cuddalore yet to form.

Relief work will go up and relief support will go down over the next few weeks. Currently AID Chennai and TNSF can handle relief efforts only in TN. AID Bangalore and AID Chennai are coordinating efforts in TN. \\\r\n \\\ \\\\r\n \\\Costs of boats. Hunting for cheapest boats.\r\nSomeone needs to coordinate this effort.\\\\r\n \\\ \\\\r\n \\\Pucca low cost housing is a requirement.\\\\r\n \\\ \\\\r\n \\\Regarding NFF proposal, Kanyakumari already has\r\nfew groups working and is well covered. \\\\r\n \\\ \\\\r\n \\\AID Chennai can use the money that has been\r\nraised for integrated development. AID is also working in places where\r\nTNSF and AID did not work before.\ \Start with\r\nrelief mode. Each boat costs 1.5-2 lakh/boat. Idea is to form\r\ncooperatives and give boats to a few villages. Pressurise govt to give\r\nmoney to buy boats in other villages.\\\\r\n \\\ \\\\r\n \\\TNSF is also helping AID.\\\\r\n \\\ \\\\r\n \\\There are some doctors on the ground. More are\r\nneeded.\ \Preventive efforts are on to prevent\r\nepidemic. Recommendation for doctors from here –wait for a week. Start\r\na registry for doctors. Get info on how long they want to spend in the\r\nfield, are they interested in traveling around?\",1]
);
//-->

Costs of boats. Hunting for cheapest boats. Someone needs to coordinate this effort.

Pucca low cost housing is a requirement.

Regarding NFF proposal, Kanyakumari already has few groups working and is well covered.

AID Chennai can use the money that has been raised for integrated development. AID is also working in places where TNSF and AID did not work before. Start with relief mode. Each boat costs 1.5-2 lakh/boat. Idea is to form cooperatives and give boats to a few villages. Pressurise govt to give money to buy boats in other villages.

TNSF is also helping AID.

There are some doctors on the ground. More are needed. Preventive efforts are on to prevent epidemic. Recommendation for doctors from here -wait for a week. Start a registry for doctors. Get info on how long they want to spend in the field, are they interested in traveling around?\\r\n \\\ \\\\r\n \\\Public Health officials can send materials. \\\\r\n \\\ \\\\r\n \\\Every camp needs to construct quick toilets.\\\\r\n \\\ \\\\r\n \\\\ \There is need for\r\neffective warning systems. \\\\r\n \\\ \\\\r\n \\\The people are in relief camps set up by govt.\r\nMoney is mainly needed for travel, coordination, community kitchens,\r\nsupplies etc.\\\\r\n \\\ \\\\r\n \\\The people who are affected are mainly fisher\r\nfolk who are into shrimp farming.\\\\r\n \\\ \\\\r\n \\\2.Write project proposals and circulate to AID\r\nChennai. Also have collection points in Mumbai, Orissa for material\r\ndonations and ship to Chennai as needed. Communication team to take up.\r\nAll Project proposals need to be fwded to TRaC team\\\\\\r\n \\3. Email receipts for\r\ndonations will go out beginning Dec 30\th\. Action Item: Anand\r\nto contact Sudhakar and set up Treasury FAQ’s to help with sending\r\nreplies to emails.\\\r\n ",1]
);
//-->

Public Health officials can send materials.

Every camp needs to construct quick toilets.

There is need for effective warning systems.

The people are in relief camps set up by govt. Money is mainly needed for travel, coordination, community kitchens, supplies etc.

The people who are affected are mainly fisher folk who are into shrimp farming.

Appeal from U.S.-Based Indonesian Solidarity Group

2004-12-31T14:50:00.000-06:00

Cross Posted from SEA-EAT BLOG
Appeal from U.S.-based Indonesia Solidarity Groups
Crossposted at Progressive Change for Tsunami Victims
Contacts::Michael Beer, NI, 202-244-0951 (w), 703-875-9482 (h)Karen Orenstein, ETAN, 202-544-6911 (w), 202-319-1711 (h), Bama Athreya, ILRF, 703-328-1964 (cell)December 30 -- U.S.-based groups with a long record of experience in theregion today called on the Indonesian government to not let politicsoverride the needs of people in tsunami-stricken Aceh. The groups includethe East Timor Action Network (ETAN), International Labor Rights Fund(ILRF) and Nonviolence International (NI). Contact information for expertson the region available for interview is listed at the end of this advisory."Delays by the Indonesian government in allowing international access toAceh may have needlessly cost precious lives. The government's apparent opening of Aceh must continue. The government must cut through its bureaucratic red tape so aid can get through as quickly as possible. International and Indonesian organizations must have unrestricted access toAceh. International media must be free to report on conditions and reliefefforts. Strict limits on internationals' time in Aceh must be lifted,"said Michael Beer of NI."Politics must not be allowed to override the needs of the Acehnese peoplein this tragic time," he added. As many as 100,000 people may have been killed in the Indonesian provincesof Aceh and North Sumatra as a result of an earthquake and tsunami thatstruck the region on December 26. The government initially kept the international community at bay as it apparently debated whether to openAceh up to foreigners. The province had been almost entirely closed to anyinternational presence due to military operations there. The Indonesian government's response remains slow and uncoordinated. The groups urged aid organizations and agencies to work as closely as possible with local civil society groups and to resist Indonesian government and military attempts to close non-governmental local groups outof the process."The high level of corruption in Indonesia, especially in Aceh, and thegreat distrust of Aceh's central government make it crucial that aid groupsbe allowed to distribute urgently needed food, medical supplies, and otherassistance outside of government channels, distributing aid directly andthrough local NGOs," said Karen Orenstein of ETAN. ETAN, ILRF, and NI further urged the government of Indonesia to allow Acehnese outside of Indonesia -- many of whom fled political repression --to return to Aceh, if they so choose, to seek their relatives and lovedones and assist the relief effort.Their return should take place without burdensome visa restrictions and without repercussions. Finally, the groups pointed out that this tragedy caused by naturaldisaster comes on top of an already devastating human-created tragedy. Since May 2003, more than 2000 people, most of them civilians, have been killed in Aceh while the province was under marital law and then a civilemergency. During a previous period of martial law from 1989 to 1998 some10,000 Acehnese perished. Despite the humanitarian catastrophe, there arestill reports of ongoing military operations against Acehnese rebels."We are gravely concerned about reports of cease-fire violations by the Indonesian military, who are allegedly attacking Acehnese guerillas insteadof focusing on the humanitarian disaster," said Bama Athreya of ILRF."The world must not forget that the people of Aceh have suffered massivehuman rights violations due to years of Indonesian military repression andguerilla operations by the Free Aceh Movement. Until very recently, the Indonesian government and armed forces had virtually sealed Aceh from anyforeign presence. The ceasefires declared by the Acehnese guerrillas and the Indonesian government this week are a crucial first step. All sides tothe decades-long conflict in Aceh must redouble efforts to find a peacefulsolution that strongly involves civil society," continued Athreya.Two U.S.-based grassroots relief funds have been established for theearthquake/tsunami disaster in Aceh: Nonviolence International-USA, www.nonviolenceinternational.net and East Timor Action Network, www.etan.org. Funds raised by these groups will be sent directly to grassroots Acehnese humanitarian agencies and groups to save lives and relieve suffering. Bothhave the full backing of the expatriate Acehnese community in the U.S.For interviews and other inquiries, media are advised to contact thefollowing U.S.-based experts on Aceh:Riva Syamsuddin, Acehnese activist and graduate of Syah Kuala University.Contact: 703-503-5272Munawar Zainal, Acehnese student activist with the Acheh Center inPennsylvania. Contact: 717-343-1598, Allan Nairn, award-winning independent journalist who has spent much timein Aceh, Indonesia and East Timor in the last few years. Contact:917-345-8020, Michael Beer, director of Nonviolence International (NI). The NI office inBanda Aceh was destroyed and several staff members remain missing. Beer hasbeen a frequent visitor to Aceh over the last 5 years. Contact:202-244-0951, 703-875-9482, Patrick McInnis, former staff in Aceh for Peace Brigades International andOxfam. McInnis served with the Carter Center as an election observer inAceh in October and is proficient in the local Acehnese language. Contact: 831-484-1318ETAN advocates for democracy, justice and human rights for East Timor and Indonesia.The ILRF is a Washington, DC-based human rights advocacy organization whichhas long been active on behalf of labor rights in developing countries andwhich has brought suit against Exxon Mobil under the Alien Tort Claims Act for aiding and abetting torture and crimes against humanity in Aceh. NI-USA is located in Washington, DC. Our affiliate in Aceh is the PeaceEducation Program that teaches conflict resolution and nonviolence toIslamic clerics and youth.NI serves as a resource center for nonviolentmovements around the world.

Sewa Internatioal Appeal for Donation

2004-12-31T13:48:00.000-06:00

Sewa International USA [A tax exempt non-profit organization] solicits your generous support to help people of India, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Indonesia devastated by Tsunami.
Worst Natural Catastrophes in Recent History
India, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Indonesia are worst affected countries of this terrible disaster. Millions are rendered homeless.
More then 125,000 dead in over 11 countries
Death Toll May Reach 150,000
Millions Rendered Homeless
Tens of Thousands lost Livelihood Thousands of Sewa USA partner volunteers are already working in the rescue and relief effort in India, Indonesia, Sri Lanka and Thailand. Volunteers are providing rescue efforts, sava-Sewa (properly taking care of dead bodies) and providing emergency medical services including medicines, food packets, drinking water and clothes.Millions of your brothers and sisters need your help right now. Sewa USA partners are mounting a comprehensive, multi-country emergency response that includes food, shelter materials and basic medical supplies. Your generous contribution will help rush this lifesaving aid to India, Indonesia, Sri Lanka and Thailand.
Sewa International, USA is soliciting your tax-deductible contribution for the relief and rehabilitation of Tsunami victims. Sewa International will channel your generous contributions to voluntary organizations providing relief and rehabilitation to the affected families. Kindly make your donation payable to "Sewa International", write "Tsunami" in the memo and mail it to:
Sewa International USA.3535 McClure Woods Dr.,
Duluth, GA 30096 Phone:
678-362-7480 (Srikanth) -
Email: info@sewausa.org
Contribute online using PayPal click below
California Contact
Yagnesh Pathak - Phone (510) 573-2240 - Email ympathak@yahoo.com
GVSN Sarma - Phone (678) 525-0110 - Email http://us.f520.mail.yahoo.com/ym/Compose?To=gvsns@yahoo.com

Texas Contact
Dhiraj Rathi - Phone (281) 752-5603 (c) -
Email http://us.f520.mail.yahoo.com/ym/Compose?To=dhirajr@starpipeproducts.com
Venkata Subramanian - Phone (512) 689-3256 (c) -
Email http://us.f520.mail.yahoo.com/ym/Compose?To=venkat@mit-va.com

Alabama ContactSubbu Bodem - Phone (205) 566-4123 (c) -
Email subbu_bodem@yahoo.com

Florida Contact
Nainan Desai - Phone (813) 245-8417 - Email ndesai@tampabay.rr.com

South Carolina Contact
Surya Vasudevan - Phone (803) 765-2553 (h), (803) 777-7282 (o) - Email http://us.f520.mail.yahoo.com/ym/Compose?To=suryamon@yahoo.com

Missouri Contact
Sameer Desai - Phone (314)753-3358 - Email sameerd_llm@yahoo.co.in

Sewa International for Tsunami Help- Please Donate

2004-12-31T13:43:00.000-06:00

About Us
Sewa International
About Us
The Movement Sewa International started in UK in 1991 and since then has spread over to 15 countries.Registered as a Trust in the year 1997 in India, Sewa International is an umbrella for:
45000 projects and programs all over India.
80 types of activities.
More than 150000 volunteers involved in running these programs and projects.
Provides the NRI / PIO (Pravasi Bharatiya) community and visitors to India, with information and contacts of all the above-mentioned programs and projects. Bridges the gap between the social service organisations and volunteers or donors. Our Mission Sewa International aims to reconstruct a vibrant nation with material and moral prosperity. Internally, every one will enjoy the fruits of development with social harmony and externally, India will be among the leading nations with its technological advancement, economic prosperity, social diversity and rich cultural heritage. Our Philosophy : Nar-Seva is Narayan-Seva The words of Sant Tulsidas "Lord Sri Ram pervades the whole world" ("Siyaramamay sab jag jani") may be said to express in a nutshell the essence of the philosophy of Seva. Seva is not mere compassion or charity towards another; it is no less than worship of the Lord. Nar-Seva is Narayan-Seva. This is the refrain of all our saints and philosophers.
Rantideva´s words are well known:Na twahamkamaye rajyamna swargam napunarbhavamkamaye duhkha-taptanampraninam artinashanam
("I desire neither kingdom nor heaven: nor do I desire salvation for myself. My only desire is to put an end to the travails of those who are afflicted with misery.") These words incorporate the basic attitude of Seva in a touching manner. Sage Vyasa goes a step further:
Ashtadasha-puraneshuvyasasya vachana-dwayamparopakarah punyayapapaya parapeedanam
("The burden of all the eighteen puranas of Vyasa is summarised in these two expressions: by serving others one accrues merit; by harming others one attacts perdition.") The same sentiment is lyrically expressed by Sant Kabir:
Sant kasht sahi aapu heesukhee karai ju sameepAap jare tau aur kokare ujeron deep
("The saints make the miseries of the world their own, but spread joy to whoever approaches them. By itself burning, the lamp disseminates light all around.") Harmony and creativity spring from this approach to Seva. Persons in distress and communities, which have remained backward, need love and compassion rather than mere charity. Distortions like untouchability are more likely to be removed through harmony and love than through confrontation. Swami Vivekananda exhorted us to look upon all our fellow-beings-be they poor or illiterate, scavengers or sweepers - as our own brothers, sharing our blood. Society for him was the visible manifestation of God. He says: "Where should you go to seek God? Are not all the poor, the miserable, the weak, gods? Why not worship them first?" "Look upon every man, woman and everyone as God. You cannot help anyone; you can only serve. Serve the children of the Lord; serve the Lord Himself if you have the privilege."

Appeal from Voluntary Health Association, Kanayakumari

2004-12-31T11:13:00.000-06:00

Appeal from Voluntary Health Association, Kanayakumari
-- Below is an Appeal from VHA, KanyakumariSource : Charity FocusDear Friend, Greetings to youThis is from Voluntary Health Association of Kanyakumari, VHAK, an NGO working among children, adolescents, women, youth and grownups in Kanyakumari district since 1994. Since then, it has formed and strengthened more than 7,000 neighbourhood parliaments among these groups. The tsunami that occurred on December 26, 2004 has devastated many coastal villages in Kanyakumari district. The villages Collachel, Kottilpadu, Manakudy, Alikal, Pillaithope, Muttom and Kanyakumari are the most affected villages in this district. The entire village of Kottilpadu, Pillaithope and Alikal have been washed out. The people themselves are involved in removing the dead bodies and helping the people find out their loved ones both alive and dead. In Muttom Parish almost 365 houses were washed out, 42 bodies recovered, 20 more missing and a loss of 12 crores. In Colachel, Kottilpadu village the death toll is still rising. There is very less involvement from the Government be it in removing the debris or recovering the bodies from the rubble. The children’s parliaments that functioned in the coastal villages have either lost their precious members or the members have lost their parents and become orphans. Almost 70 % of the dead were children.The district administration is not well-equipped and trained to cope with this sort of calamities. As a result, they are in a state of stalemate whereupon they do not know what to do. It is the NGOs who are working hard to do some relief activities among the affected people. VHAK is one among them.At present, on a short term basis, the staff and the volunteers of VHAK, numbering more than 500 would like to involve in undertaking emergency relief measures like medical help, supply food and clothing and temporary shelters. We would like to obtain your cooperation in this respect in the form of financial assistance. Please let us know your response at the earliest time possible.Please visit our website to confirm.The amount could be sent to:Voluntary Health Association of Kanyakumari (VHAK),28, Kesari Street,Nagercoil - 629 001Kanyakumari dist., TamilnaduBank details:Account No: 397Indian Overseas BankVetturnimadam – 1043Nagercoil – 629 003Kanyakumari dist.,TamilnaduMay we hear from you.Thanking you,Sincerely yours,Fr.M.J.Edwin,Dr. Sr.Mercy Palatty,A.Pushparaj,VHAK

FACTBOX: NGOs Respond to quake/tsunami

2004-12-31T10:57:00.000-06:00

FACTBOX: NGOs respond to S Asian quake/tsunamis
31 Dec 2004Source: AlertNetThe following is a list of NGOs responding to the devastation caused by tsunamis unleashed by an underwater earthquake on December 26.
Every effort has been made to provide as comprehensive a list as possible but it may not be complete. AlertNet member NGOs involved in relief work in the region that are not included are urged to write to us at alertnet@reuters.com and publish information directly on the NGO latest area of the site.
Full contact details can be found by clicking on the NGO links to the right of the page. Readers are also encouraged to use our comprehensive NGO directory.
Action Against Hunger (ACH) – Spain (Acción contra el Hambre) Has teams in Sri Lanka, building latrines and analysing drinking water supplies. Recovering bodies and distributing mosquito nets, blankets, towels and mattresses to survivors. Click here to donate to this organisation
Action Against Hunger (AAH) – UK Providing immediate relief to survivors in Batticaloa, Trincomalee and Jaffna in Sri Lanka, constructing latrines, trucking in water and ferrying bodies to hospital for identification. Supplies including water and sanitation equipment have been sent to Sri Lanka. Conducting further needs assessments in Indonesia. Click here to donate to this organisation
ActionAid - Spain (Ayuda en Acción) * Providing medical and pyschosocial assistance in Tamil Nadu, India. Click here to donate to ActionAid International
Action by Churches Together (ACT) InternationalThe ACT International alliance has launched a $8.2 million appeal to assist its members' relief operations in India, Indonesia, Myanmar and Sri Lanka, as well as other countries that may require assistance. Click here to donate to this organisation
Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) International - USA Distributing health kits in Sri Lanka. Distributing food, hygiene kits and toilet paper in Indonesia. Distributing food and hygine packets in Thailand, and non-food items in the Andaman Islands and Tamil Nadu, India. Coordinating its regional operations from Bangkok. Click here to donate to this organisation
American Jewish World Service (AJWS) - USA Working with 22 local NGOs to assess needs in the region and provide food, water, shelter and medicine as well as long-term support. Click here to donate to this organisation
Americares - USA Mobilising a major airlift of medical supplies, personal hygiene items and enough water purification treatments for four million litres of drinking water to Sri Lanka. Planning additional relief shipments to Indonesia, India and Thailand. Click here to donate to this organisation
Baptist World Aid (BWA) - USAA medical and relief team has flown to Sri Lanka.Click here to donate to this organisation
CARE International Responding in India, Sri Lanka, Indonesia and Thailand. Click here to donate to this organisation
Caritas – GermanyCaritas Germany has made 300,000 euros available to support relief efforts in Southern India and Sri Lanka and is also coordinating with Diakonie Emergency Aid - GermanyClick here to donate to Caritas - Germany Click here to donate to Diakonie Emergency Aid - Germany
Catholic Relief Services (CRS) - USA CRS has committed al least $25 million to provide shelter and immediate healthcare needs. CRS and local partners immediately mobilised to hardest-hit areas of India, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Indonesia. Click here to donate to this organisation
Christian Aid - UK Has an ongoing relationship with Indian partner Christian Auxiliary for Social Action (CASA) and is working through them in Tamil Nadu, to provide blankets, medicine, clothing and plastic sheeting. An assessment team is working in Sri Lanka, where local partners are the National Christian Council of Sri Lanka. Click here to donate to this organisation
Christian Children's Fund (CCF) - USAHas emergency teams on the ground in Sri Lanka, India and Indonesia. Distributing blankets, utensils and food, while assessing the special needs of children. May also set up child centres to provide children with a safe place to play. Click here to donate to this organisation
Church World Services (CWS) - USASending over $900,000 in initial relief supplies to Sri Lanka and India and deployed rapid response teams across the region. In India, supporting efforts by CWS partner Church's Auxiliary for Social Action. Click here to donate to this organisation
Concern Worldwide - USAConcern has increased its emergency programme to $1.5 million and is sending an additional team to Sri Lanka. Emergency relief kits have been supplied to 10,000 families in the Tamil Nadu area of India. Click here to donate to this organisation
Direct Relief International (DRI) - USACoordinating with local programme partners and U.S. government officials to develop a list of required health and medical items, and sending emergency medical shipments to Sri Lanka and India. Click here to donate to this organisation
Doctors of the World (MdM) – Spain (Médicos del Mundo)Has sent an emergency team of four doctors and a logistician to northeastern Sri Lanka. Click here to donate to this organisation
Doctors of the World (MdM) – UK If any British medics or logisticians are interested in volunteering to help with the crisis for a minimum of one month, call +44 207 516 9103 Click here to donate to this organisation
Evangelical Fellowship of India Commission on Relief (EFICOR) - IndiaAn assessment team of this Indian organisation – a member of Sphere India -- has been working in the Indian states of Andra Pradesh, Tamily Nadu and Kerala. Click here to donate to this organisation
GOAL - IrelandHas begun a feeding operation in Tamil Nadu, India, and is working in Nagabattinum. Has sent a relief team to Sri Lanka. Click here to donate to this organisation
Handicap International (HI) - UKWas already working in the Batticaloa and Ampara districts of Sri Lanka, and has been involved in transporting victims and providing first aid equipment in these areas. Now concentrating on post-trauma treatment. Click here to donate to this organisation
HELP (Hilfe zur Selbsthilfe e.V.) - GermanySending emergency specialists to the hardest hit areas of Sri Lanka. Click here to donate to this organisation
humedica e.V. - Germany Has sent a medical team to Sri Lanka with supplies for 3,000 people. Click here to donate to this organisation
International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent (IFRC) – Switzerland The IFRC has dispensed an initial one million Swiss franc grant for relief efforts and has launched an appeal for 7.5 million francs to help affected people. The American Red Cross is sending supplies from Dubai and has emergency staff on standby. Click here to donate to the IFRC
International Medical Corps (IMC) - USAResponding to health needs in Aceh, Indonesia, conducting an emergency assessment and preparing a possible airlift of supplies. Coordinating its Indonesia relief operations with national and international disaster authorities. Click here to donate to this organisation
International Rescue Committee (IRC) - USAResponding in Indonesian province of Aceh with emergency water and sanitation interventions to prevent the spread of water-borne diseases. Click here to donate to this organisation
Islamic Relief - UKIslamic Relief has launched an appeal for two million pounds sterling. The UK-based organisation is undertaking field assessments in Sri Lanka, India and Indonesia. Click here to donate to this organisation
Lutheran World Relief (LRW) - USALWR has released $20,000 to local partners for immediate relief operations. Funds will be used to provide up to 50,000 people with clean water and food in southern India. Click here to donate to this organisation
Malteser Germany (Foreign Aid Department) - GermanyWorking with Indian partner organisation, Unnati, in south India, to distribute food, medicine, clothing and cooking utensils. Malteser has extended its relief work to the region north of Phuket and Khao Lak in Thailand. Click here to donate to this organisation
Medair - SwitzerlandMedair, a Christian NGO, has deployed a team to Sri Lanka including a doctor, water engineer, administrator/logistician and project manager. Click here to donate to this organisation
Medical Assistance Programs (MAP) International - USAMAP is preparing a shipment of medicines and medical supplies, with initial relief targeting affected areas in Sri Lanka and southern India. Click here to donate to this organisation
Médicos del Mundo – An emergency team of four doctors and a logistic have been sent to the North East part of Sri Lanka to assist the injured. Click here to donate to this organisation
Mercy Corps – USAMercy Corps is providing plastic sheeting for shelter and to wrap corpses. Volunteers are working in Aceh, and staff are active in Sri Lanka. Click here to donate to this organisation
Merlin - UK Medical teams are active in Indonesia and Sri Lanka and conducting further assessment in Aceh. Planning to provide water purification tablets, health and hygiene information in Sri Lanka. Click here to donate to this organisation
MSF International An MSF team of eight, including three nurses and two doctors, has arrived in Banda Aceh in northern Sumatra and set up a clinic in a camp for displaced people. It is also sending a team to Sri Lanka, where it is focusing on medical care for survivors and displaced people, and is conducting an exploratory mission in southern Burma. Click here to donate to this organisation
Norwegian Church Aid - NorwayMapping out disaster-struck areas of Sri Lanka before starting emergency relief work. Initial focus on providing dried food and medicines. The Norwegian government has pledged $490,000 to Norwegian Church Aid for its relief efforts in southern India and Sri Lanka. Click here to donate to this organisation
Operation USA Providing funds and emergency supplies to programme partners in Sri Lanka, India and Thailand. Click here to donate to this organisation
Oxfam GB - UKOxfam staff have been ferrying the injured to hospital in the worst-hit areas of Sri Lanka, while conducting urgent needs assessments. Click here to donate to this organisation
Peace Winds Japan (PWJ) - Japan Deploying an assessment team to Aceh in Indonesia, where PWJ has been helping people displaced by conflict since 2003. Click here to donate to this organisation
Plan UKPlan UK has launched an international appeal and has received pledges of more than $975,000. Plan Sri Lanka has contributed $200,000 to the National Disaster Coordinating Committee. Click here to donate to this organisation
Project HOPE - USAInitially responding with medical aid in Thailand. Accepting medical products from manufacturers as gifts-in-kind. Click here to donate to this organisation
Save the Children - USAMobilising response teams from within South Asia and the rest of the world to help children and families affected by the disaster. Click here to donate to this organisation
Sustainable Environment and Ecological Development Society (SEEDS) - IndiaSEEDS has moved its focus from Tamil Nadu and says it is the first NGO working in Andaman and Nicobar islands. Two relief camps have been established in Port Blair for 1,000 people, with 1,000 more expected. Click here to donate to this organisation
Terre des Hommes (TdH) - SwizerlandTerre des Hommes was already present in eastern Sri Lanka, and is providing food and psychosocial support and operating eight clinics. The organisation is coordinating aid to Batticaloa. Click here to donate to this organisation
United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) - USAWorking with partner church-related and humanitarian agencies to provide food, clean water, shelter and sanitary services in Asia and eastern Africa. Click here to donate to this organisation
World Vision International World Vision Indonesia has purcased tarpaulins, cooking utensils, sarongs, soaps, masks and mosquito nets for Aceh, and is planning to set up children’s centres. Sending non-food supplies to the Sri Lanka districts of Ampara, Galle, Batticoloa, Matara, Killinochchi and Hambantota. Has ongoing programmes with migrant workers in Thailand, and is providing both Thai and Burmese migrant workers with food and building materials. Providing medical assistance and food in Nagapatinam and Cuddalore districts. Click here to donate to this organisation

List of Godds Urgently Needed in Aceh

2004-12-31T10:48:00.000-06:00

List of Urgent Needs in Aceh
1. Donations SHOULD NOT in the form of uncooked food including instant noodles because there is no clean water or kitchen tools to cook them. The most urgent needs are INFANT FOOD (excluding powder milk that needs very-rare clean water to mix it). Infant baby and ready-to-eat products (such as gerber or nestle products, etc.) would be very helpful. Liquid UHT milk would also be very useful. (THE POINT IS HEALTHY READY-TO-EAT FOOD)
2. Non-Food Donations, with the priorities as the following:
- Corpse packs- Disinfectant- MaskThe decomposed corpse spreading all over the places so that this condition has caused people feel hard to breathe. Thus, if these bodies would not be evacuated/isolated as soon as possible, they might cause few epidemics, particularly Cholera, happening there.
3. Other Non-Food donations that are still quite rare and very precious are the followings:- palls/wide coverlets- blankets- underwear (particularly for female)- sarong cloth- infant milk bottle and pacifier for new-born infants
4. For medicines, medical tools & sanitation please contact the Ministry of Health and Independent Bodies on Health for further coordination in order to give effective function.
Other Detailed Needs:
1. Medicines
Cold/coughing/fever: Decolsin, capsule, Mixagrip, OBH Combi, OBH Combi Plus for adults and children, Vick Formula 44 for adults and children, new baby couch syrup, Termorex, Alphamol, Flukol Forte, Inza, Procold, Benadryl dmp child, Bodrex, Bodrexin, Panadol, Tempra , etc.
Diarrhea/ stomachache medicines such as Andicap, Oraline, Dialet, Diaform, Enterostop, Papaverin, etc.
First-Aid Medicines: Dansepta, Cotton, Alcohol, Rivanol, Mercurochrom, Sterile Cover, Abodine, Leukoplast, Betadine, Ban-aid
Antibiotic: Amoxilin 500 mg, Dry Syrup Amoxcillin, Dry Syrup Ampicillin, Salpenol
For Skin: Salicyl powder, PK, skin salve Dermal, cream Trimadan, Skin salve Genoint, Salve Nosib, Skin Salve of Kaki tiga brand, Skin Salve 88, Dactarin, Herocin powder, Ikamicetine, Fluocinonide Ointment, Kalpanax, Isondine Oinment, Kemicetine, etc.
Stomach: Antasida, Decolid, Cimetidine 200 mg, Ranitidine 150 mg, Promag.
Massage oil, Cajuput Oil, Balsam, Balpirik,
Other medicines/vitamins: vitamin B complex, vitamin c, vitamin c drop, vitamin B1, trisulfa, oxifrot, CTM, Aciclovir, Captopril, Cumachol, Rexibet 2, Dexamethasone, Sulfaferrosus, Aminophyline, Reserpine, Pyridoxine, Prednison, Frisium, Inoprilate, Incidalod, Erlamicetin, Kalmethason, Dextromethorphan pill, Furasemide, Tetracyclin 250.
2. Logistic
- Powder & Liquid Milk- Sugar, coffee- Noodles- Rice- Vitamins- Supplementary Drink- First-Aid packages
3. Communication Tools- HT, Satellite phones and internet connection (GPRS or VSAT at once)- Notebook
4. Miscellaneous
- Blankets- Mattresses - Floor Cleaning Agent- Clothes- Sandals- Car Batteries (12 V)- Dry Cell Battery (1.5 V)
5. Human Resource:
1. SAR, native people that understand SAR.2. Logistic, understanding logistic distributions and needs of the victims.3. Media, to help updating news and volunteers for general purposes (carrying things)4. Communication Technicians

Aceh Media Center

2004-12-31T10:45:00.000-06:00

Welcome to the "Aceh IT-Media Center" WebsiteA medium to channel all concerns and support to the Aceh Earthquake/Tsunami Victims and Survivors
The Indonesian Information Technology (IT) community wishes to facilitate the relief efforts to our brothers and sisters in Aceh (Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam, NAD), North Sumatra and other affected parts of the Indian Ocean which were devastated hit by this disaster.
Through this website, we aim to:
Facilitate the information flows in order to speed up the mobilization of assistance and relief efforts from all sources whether from the industry, government, academia, community groups or individuals - as well as domestic and international sources.
Support our field team in to Aceh (NAD) and North Sumatra to set up an Internet-based communication system so that the most up-to-date information can be accessed quickly.Our colleagues who will be stationed in Aceh are:
Valens Riyadi (Coordinator; +62-852-162-012-78 Email:valens@citra.net.id)
M. Salahuddien (IT Specialist +62-815-556-008-95 YahooID: patakaid)
Anjar Ari Nugroho (IT Specialist +62-818-087-633-22 Email: tjokro@gen.net.id)
Alfian Hamzah (Media Specialist)
Aji Hendro Susanto (IT Specialist)
Aries Bangun Wismo Ajie (IT Specialist)Notes: The hp/cellular numbers above will be updated with PSN/Telkomsel/Telkom Flexi Number.
Provide back-up assistance for the distribution of all goods and services to the victims and survivors.
Supporting bodiesIndonesia Information Technology Federation (IITF/FTII)Indonesia Internet Service Provider Association (APJII)Ministry of Communications and Information (KOMINFO)Directorate General of Post and Communications (DITJEN POSTEL)Coordinating Ministry of Social Welfare (MENKO KESRA)
POSKO Jakarta (Jakarta Coordinating Center)
IT OrganizationChief Coordinator : Heru Nugroho (+62-8888-000-263 email: hn@melsa.net.id)Deputy Coordinator : Ahmad Khalil Alkazimy (+62-813-1608-5757 email:ahmad@apjii.or.id)Deputy Coordinator : Edwardo Rusfid (+62-856-786-0897 email: edo@myindo.net)International Coordinator : Idris Sulaiman (+62-811-11-1312 email:idriss@indo.net.id)Secretary FTII/APJII : Nina Kencana (+62-21-5296-0634 email: nina@apjii.or.id)
Media Organization"Pena Indonesia" Journalist TeamCoordinator : Farid Gaban (Jakarta)Putut Widjanarko (Ohio)Alfian Hamzah (Banda Aceh and Meulaboh - western Aceh)others : Ahmad Suwandi (PCMedia/Infolinux), Denny Batubara (MetroTV), and others.
POSKO at IITF/APJII Office JakartaCyber Building 11th floor, Jl. Kuningan Barat No 8Phone +(62-21) 5296 0634, Fax +(62-21) 5296 0635, email: info@apjii.or.id
Support StaffWebmaster: Sugeng Wibowo (+62-815-1157-1393) email: sugeng@gen.net.idMedia: Fuad(+62-815-7879-1117 email:fuad@apjii.or.id)Media: Ferry (+62-818-710-744 email: ferry@apjii.or.id)
Bank Account Information to Supporting the IT-Media Field Team:Bank Name: Bank Central Asia (BCA)Account Name: Yayasan Sekolah2000 (School2000 Foundation-IITF/APJII project)Account No.: 587-007222-0Branch Office Name: Pembantu PembangunanSwift Code: CENAIDJABank Address: BCA Kantor Cabang Pembantu PembangunanJl. Pembangunan I No. 25, Tel: +62-21-634-1428 , +62-21-6343-630Fax:+62-21-634-1107

Canadian Organizing Tsunami Relief

2004-12-31T10:37:00.000-06:00

Winnipeg Manitoba- India Canadian are organizing Tsunami Relief.
Locally people should contact Kanaka Ramaih rramaiah@saw.ca for details.
Phone: 204-489-0224

Aid Trucks Rolled Into Tsunami-hit Areas

2004-12-31T10:35:00.000-06:00

BANGKOK (Reuters) - Aid trucks loaded with food, medicines and body bags rolled into tsunami-hit areas across Asia and aircraft dropped supplies to cut-off villages as a huge relief operation finally swung into gear Friday.
But military flights disgorging tons of emergency supplies at major Asian airports were creating logjams, threatening to hinder one of the world's biggest aid operations.
A lack of fuel was also holding up relief efforts in worst-hit Aceh province on Indonesia's Sumatra island, near the epicenter of Sunday's 9.0 magnitude quake that triggered the killer waves.
The humanitarian catastrophe caused by the tsunami that killed more than 125,000 and left millions without the basics to survive, was stretching the world's ability to respond, said U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan.
U.S. military transport aircraft were landing at Indonesia's northern city of Medan Friday delivering supplies to be trucked to neighboring Aceh province, where perhaps more than 100,000 people died, Indonesia's health minister said Friday.
Aid deliveries to Aceh and many other areas have been hindered in recent days due to lack of fuel, impassable roads and downed bridges. The trucks will take up to 16 hours to reach Aceh's battered provincial capital Banda Aceh.
Australian and New Zealand military aircraft were flying directly to Banda Aceh, delivering troops and emergency supplies and evacuating people.
"The planes are going flat out," Australian army Major Grant King told Reuters at Banda Aceh airport.
"The aid is getting out," he said. "People at the extremities are probably getting it, but there are limitations."
The United Nation's children body UNICEF said emergency supplies of medicines, tarpaulins and hygiene kits to support 200,000 people were headed for Aceh.
But Australian Defense Minister Robert Hill warned that so much aid was now pouring in that airports were straining to cope. Continued ...

Colin Powell Heads US Relif effort - ABC Night Line

2004-12-31T10:31:00.000-06:00

By David Morgan
CRAWFORD, Texas (Reuters) - President Bush, criticized for his slow reaction to the Asian tsunami disaster, said on Thursday he would send a delegation led by Secretary of State Colin Powell to the region on Sunday to assess the need for U.S. assistance.
The delegation, which will include the president's brother, Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, was due to meet regional leaders and international organizations working to bring relief to an estimated 5 million tsunami survivors in southeastern and central Asia.
But there was no word about increasing the $35 million of assistance that Bush announced this week, despite pressure from critics that he could allot more money to victims and repair America's image, tarnished by the Iraq war.
Members of Congress were already drafting a new tsunami aid package for early next year amid Republican assurances of a generous appropriation. The size of the package has not yet been agreed.
"The challenges of coping with suffering on this magnitude are almost unfathomable, and we will act," said Republican Rep. Henry Hyde, who chairs the House International Relations Committee.
But administration critics stepped up their attacks on Bush, saying he has been slow to respond to the tragedy that has killed at least 125,000 people.
"Congress could act very very quickly, but it also helps if the president wants to act very quickly," Sen. Patrick Leahy, a Vermont Democrat, said in a CNN interview.
"He has the authority right now, on his own, to move about $300 million -- $50 million a country -- for those that are effected. He could do that today."
Congress approved $40 billion in spending within three days of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks that killed 3,000 people. Lawmakers also responded fast with $13.6 billion for states hit by hurricanes in the run-up to last month's U.S. elections.
White House budget office spokesman Chad Kolton said budget officials were working to assess what funds could be freed up without legislative action.
"We are scaling up our effort, and we will do what is necessary to show that the United States will be a leader in this effort," Powell told the ABC current affairs program "Nightline." Continued ...

New Jersey Activities

2004-12-31T10:28:00.000-06:00

(12/30/04) TOMS RIVER ? A Toms River couple may be getting ready to do something many people could never imagine ? get on a plane and head straight into the Southeast Asian tsunami?s aftermath.
Rick Poresky and his wife, Dr. Marge Wilusz, lived on Sumatra in the late 80s when Poresky worked for Save the Children. The isle of Sumatra was very close to the epicenter of the deadly quake and tidal wave that has left more than 114,000 dead. Dr. Wilusz says she can?t imagine what it would have been like to be in the area when the deadly wave hit.
Now, the couple has contacted Save the Children and they are awaiting approval to head back to Sumatra despite the destruction and heartbreak heaped on the area. Wilusz, who is a pediatrician, feels her skills can make a difference in helping people affected by the disaster. The doctor says she also knows the local language and customs.
?
Video : http://ondemand1.cv.net/news12/ENSUMATT.asx

Aceh Needs Equipment and Help

2004-12-31T10:26:00.000-06:00

Aceh Needs Wireless Equipment ASAP
From Aceh Media Center
31 Dec 2004 02:51 pm
Friends,
The telecom links in Aceh are destroyed. It is impossible to access via cable although in Central there are ports for Internet access.
An alternative for internet access is wireless. All the shops and vendors are closed. We need the following equipment today:
2 pairs of Wireless Lan complete with box, cable, antenna, connector or jumper and mounting.
2 units of Ethernet converter to V. 35 with cable (usually RAD or ATI)
If you have the following stock please donate or lend it to us at the following address:
POSKO Jakarta di APJII/FTIICyber Building 11th floor, Jl. Kuningan Barat No 8Phone +(62-21) 5296 0634, Fax +(62-21) 5296 0635, email: info@apjii.or.id
# posted by hangwu : 8:06 PM 0 comments
List of Urgent Needs in Aceh
1. Donations SHOULD NOT in the form of uncooked food including instant noodles because there is no clean water or kitchen tools to cook them. The most urgent needs are INFANT FOOD (excluding powder milk that needs very-rare clean water to mix it). Infant baby and ready-to-eat products (such as gerber or nestle products, etc.) would be very helpful. Liquid UHT milk would also be very useful. (THE POINT IS HEALTHY READY-TO-EAT FOOD)
2. Non-Food Donations, with the priorities as the following:
- Corpse packs- Disinfectant- MaskThe decomposed corpse spreading all over the places so that this condition has caused people feel hard to breathe. Thus, if these bodies would not be evacuated/isolated as soon as possible, they might cause few epidemics, particularly Cholera, happening there.
3. Other Non-Food donations that are still quite rare and very precious are the followings:- palls/wide coverlets- blankets- underwear (particularly for female)- sarong cloth- infant milk bottle and pacifier for new-born infants
4. For medicines, medical tools & sanitation please contact the Ministry of Health and Independent Bodies on Health for further coordination in order to give effective function.
Other Detailed Needs:
1. Medicines
Cold/coughing/fever: Decolsin, capsule, Mixagrip, OBH Combi, OBH Combi Plus for adults and children, Vick Formula 44 for adults and children, new baby couch syrup, Termorex, Alphamol, Flukol Forte, Inza, Procold, Benadryl dmp child, Bodrex, Bodrexin, Panadol, Tempra , etc.
Diarrhea/ stomachache medicines such as Andicap, Oraline, Dialet, Diaform, Enterostop, Papaverin, etc.
First-Aid Medicines: Dansepta, Cotton, Alcohol, Rivanol, Mercurochrom, Sterile Cover, Abodine, Leukoplast, Betadine, Ban-aid
Antibiotic: Amoxilin 500 mg, Dry Syrup Amoxcillin, Dry Syrup Ampicillin, Salpenol
For Skin: Salicyl powder, PK, skin salve Dermal, cream Trimadan, Skin salve Genoint, Salve Nosib, Skin Salve of Kaki tiga brand, Skin Salve 88, Dactarin, Herocin powder, Ikamicetine, Fluocinonide Ointment, Kalpanax, Isondine Oinment, Kemicetine, etc.
Stomach: Antasida, Decolid, Cimetidine 200 mg, Ranitidine 150 mg, Promag.
Massage oil, Cajuput Oil, Balsam, Balpirik,
Other medicines/vitamins: vitamin B complex, vitamin c, vitamin c drop, vitamin B1, trisulfa, oxifrot, CTM, Aciclovir, Captopril, Cumachol, Rexibet 2, Dexamethasone, Sulfaferrosus, Aminophyline, Reserpine, Pyridoxine, Prednison, Frisium, Inoprilate, Incidalod, Erlamicetin, Kalmethason, Dextromethorphan pill, Furasemide, Tetracyclin 250.
2. Logistic
- Powder & Liquid Milk- Sugar, coffee- Noodles- Rice- Vitamins- Supplementary Drink- First-Aid packages
3. Communication Tools- HT, Satellite phones and internet connection (GPRS or VSAT at once)- Notebook
4. Miscellaneous
- Blankets- Mattresses- Floor Cleaning Agent- Clothes- Sandals- Car Batteries (12 V)- Dry Cell Battery (1.5 V)
5. Human Resource:
1. SAR, native people that understand SAR.2. Logistic, understanding logistic distributions and needs of the victims.3. Media, to help updating news and volunteers for general purposes (carrying things)4. Communication Technicians
Source: Aceh Media Center

Tracing Family and Friends

2004-12-30T23:08:00.000-06:00

Thailand The Thai government has set up hotlines for relatives to find information about family members in the affected areas.
Phuket: +66-7621-6101 and +66-7621-1001
Phang Nga: +66-7641-1525 and +66-7641-1179
Krabi: +66-7561-1302 and +66-7652-4161
Trang: +66-7521-4382
Satun: +66-7472-2121 and +66-7472-2296
Ranong: +66-7781-3401 and +66-7782-3257
Relatives can also contact the Thai foreign ministry's information center at +66-2-643-5000 or by fax at +66-2-643-5256.You may find who you're looking for on Thai hospital Web sites. The hospitals in Phuket and Krabi have put the names of their patients online on the links given below.On the Phuket Disaster Message Board Web site link below, you can leave messages for missing family members, and people in South Asia can post messages for their families and friends.Sri LankaCheck Sri Lanka tourist board's English language Web site below for up-to-date information from hospitals, police and air carriers. You can reach their 24-hour hotline at +94-11-2437 061.International Red CrossYou can also contact your national chapter of the International Red Cross or consult the Red Cross Family Links Web site below for help in tracing family members.German Foreign MinistryFamily and friends of German tourists traveling in South Asia can dial the German foreign ministry's hotline at +49 (0)30-5000-1000 to get more information on the situation. Source: www.dw-world.de

Americans in Asia Told to Call Home

2004-12-30T22:07:00.000-06:00

Americans in Asia Told to Call Home Now
Photo: APClick to enlarge
The U.S. government has a message for any Americans traveling or living in the vast region devastated by Sunday's underwater earthquake and tsunamis: Call home, and do it fast.
Twelve Americans are known to have died in the earthquake or waves that left coastal areas in rubble in a dozen countries from Thailand to Somalia, but hundreds or thousands more may have been in harm's way. Many may be safe, but there is no sure way to know until authorities find them, or they check in on their own.
"Call your mother," State Department spokesman Richard Boucher said Wednesday.
No one knows exactly how many Americans were in the affected region, and no one knows how many may really be missing. The State Department set up a command center Sunday to take calls from worried families, friends and would-be travelers. Working around the clock, the center has a running list of 2,000 to 3,000 names of Americans who may be missing.
"There are families calling us all the time, 'I haven't heard from my son. It's been three days,'" Boucher said.
"We shouldn't assume the worst," Boucher said. "We have to assume it's a process that will go on for some time and that just because we have large numbers of Americans that we're trying to identify and look for doesn't mean that they're all in bad straits."
Although the overall scale of the death and damage is enormous, only portions of each country were affected. Americans traveling or living in parts of South Asia and East Africa that were unscathed may not think to contact relatives or friends at home and let them know they are fine.
"People who know they're hundreds of miles away from where ... the disaster might have occurred need to call home and tell their relatives," to whom the entire region may seem "only a quarter-inch on the map," Boucher said.
State Department employees are combing hospitals, morgues and anywhere else Americans might turn up, concentrating on the popular beach resorts of Thailand as well as parts of Sri Lanka, India and Indonesia.
In Thailand, the U.S. embassy set up an information booth in the resort area of Phuket to help American vacationers call home, replace lost passports for free or simply get out of town, said Angela Aggeler, spokeswoman for the Bureau of Consular Affairs, the branch of the State Department that helps Americans overseas.

UK Fund Raising

2004-12-30T21:38:00.000-06:00

UK Fundraising (www.fundraising.co.uk), the resource for professional charity/non-profit fundraisers, has been reporting on the donations being made (primarily) online to the various Earthquake/Tsunami appeals.Sample stories include:Public response to DEC appeal reaches £30 millionhttp://www.fundraising.co.uk/news/5486Amazon.com's online total passes $6 millionhttp://www.fundraising.co.uk/news/5483CAF's Allaboutgiving site shut down by surge to donatehttp://www.fundraising.co.uk/news/5484BT steps in to help DEC handle online donationshttp://www.fundraising.co.uk/news/5481Rapid public response internationally to Asian floods appealshttp://www.fundraising.co.uk/news/5482

U.S. Block on Tsunami funds Cynical and Shameful

2004-12-30T21:17:00.000-06:00

VIEWPOINT: U.S. block on tsunami funds cynical and shameful
30 Dec 2004Source: AlertNet
A Thai woman is comforted while cremating a family member at a mass cremation site in Ban Muan, north of the Thai resort island of Phuket.Photo by ADREES LATIFConsultant and writer Nick Cater warns that undermining U.N. relief coordination efforts will be both costly and shortsighted.
The peak of a massive disaster is no time to deliberately undermine the one body charged with coordinating a global response to such a crisis.
In its warped response to the Asian tsunami catastrophe, the United States is seeking not to support and foster the United Nations but to damage its political credibility and destroy its vital capacities in disaster management.
U.S. President George W. Bush and his secretary of state, Colin Powell, have decided to set up a regional coordination group distinct from the United Nations, involving India, Japan, Australia and the United States.
This will have its own assessment teams, funding channels and, one suspects, political priorities, given the United States’ position as a superpower that desperately needs to find new friends, especially among the area's Islamic populations.
But the move, which amounts to an effective block on funding for the United Nations, is a vindictive decision, designed to punish the world body and, by its exclusion, the EU, for their stance over Iraq. It will be both costly - just wait for the duplication and waste, especially when military forces get involved - and shortsighted.
For this may be a massive disaster, at least in its geographic spread, but it is an ideal one to hold the U.N. to its mandates and make its systems work, not least the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), so all future disasters are better handled.
Why? Most of the area involved is free of conflict; in each country the affected percentage of population is usually small; overall regional communications and logistics remain fairly good; international attention is very high; and many countries have economies and local government structures that - with some support - should be able to cope after this initial crisis.
True, Jan Egland, the U.N. under-secretary-general for humanitarian affairs and emergency relief coordinator, should not have taken this moment to accuse various Western donors of being "stingy" with aid, although the initial U.S. response to his remarks appears to have been a welcome hike in its cash commitment to $35 million from $20 million.
Of course, Egland's criticism was overdue, entirely accurate and mild by comparison with the wholesale failure of the United States and most donors to miss by a mile the globally agreed target for overseas assistance of 0.7 percent of gross domestic product.
If such a target had been met, we might have seen serious and sustained investment in disaster preparedness in the region over recent decades, including the Pacific-style tsunami warning system that is now being demanded.
It will be interesting to see if January's World Conference on Disaster Reduction in Kobe, Japan, has any view on the generosity or otherwise of donors when it comes to cost-effective commitments to preparedness, rather than the scramble of today's relief efforts.
Ahead of that, British Development Secretary Hilary Benn recently warned in a speech at the Overseas Development Institute in London that OCHA needed reform if its work was to improve.
His most important point was that OCHA lacked both the power and resources to coordinate relief efforts effectively, a judgement shamefully and cynically confirmed when the United States denied OCHA both funding and legitimacy to tackle this crisis.

Urgently Needed Medical Supplies

2004-12-30T17:39:00.000-06:00

MEDICINES
Based on Prioritised list received from Doctors inCuddalore and Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu. (Source: Shanmuga &D.V.Prakash, Trustees of Kuvempu Trust; sshanmuga@vsnl.com)

First priority -
Paracetmol
Brufane
Amoxycillin Ranidin (stomach pain, vomit)
Antacids
ORS powder
Tetramycin eyedrops
Multivitamins
Norfloxacin (diarrhoea)
Dichloromine
Derephyllin Tabs
T.NORINS-TZ for adult (diarrhoea)
NEGAMAT suspension syrup for child (diarrhoea)

Second Priority - List generated by Community Health Cell in Bangalore(sochara@vsnl.com)

Chlorine Tablets (for disinfection of water),
Septran Syrup and Tablets,
Flagyl Syrup and Tabs (Metronidazole),
Paracetamol Syrup and Tabs,
Asthalin Syrup (Salbutomol) + Tabs (Theo Asthalin),
Mebendazole,
Cough Syrup,
Brufen tablets / Diclofenac,
Metronidazole,
Doxycyclin Capsules,
Ampicillin Capsules,
Soframycin Ointment,
Nasivion Nose Drops,
ORS,
Calamine Lotion,
Amoxycyclin 250 mg (Amoxycillin),
anti Histamines (Avil CPM / cetrizine),
Derephyllin Tabs,
Ibuprofen ointment / Diclofenac ointment

Third Priority - List from relief workers in Gujarat Earthquake experience

Cefotaxin (Injection ) 1000/500 mg
Ciprofloxacin 100 mg/200 I. V.
Fortwin/ Pentazocine
Hydrocortison 100 mg / 200 mg
Perinorm Metachlopromite
Norfloxacin 400 mg
Amikacine 500 mg
Metronidazol 400 mg I. V.
Phenargan
Renitidine
Sutures & Needles
Pain Relief - Ibuprofane, Asprin, Dclofenac, Paracetamol
Infection Prevention - Amoxicillin
Dysentry - Diaorehha - Oral Rehydration kits (ORS), Furazolidone, Metronidizole
Anti-Bacterial - Cotrimoxazole
For Asthama - Salbutamol, Aminophylline Chloroquine

Other Medical Aid required

Infant feeding tubes
Dressing trays
Surgical scissors Bandages, Cotton dressing material
I. V. N/ Saline ,
5% Dextrose Surgical & plastering knife Injuries Dressing - Cotton,
Bandgaes etc. Sanitary Napkins,
Disposable Gloves (for relief workers)
Face mask (for relief workers)
Bleaching Powder 'phenoil' liquid
Flashlight

General Guidelines for sending medical aid: Please send only well-packed medicines that have clear labels. Medicines whose expiry date is clearly marked and within expiry datewill only be used. For fragile medical equipments, please packageproperly and also indicate this CLEARLY on the mailing box.

Please contact the globally cordinated Tusami Blog Site, Google Key word SEA-EAT, http://tsunamihelp.blogspot.com, for donation location nearest to you in the world.

The South-East Asia Earthquake and Tsunami

2004-12-28T22:24:00.000-06:00

The South-East Asia Earthquake and Tsunami

US is Organizing Coalition for Tsunami Aid

CRAWFORD, Texas (CNN) -- President Bush said Wednesday that he has formed an international coalition to respond to the massive tsunami disaster along coastlines of the Indian Ocean.
The president interrupted his vacation at his Texas ranch to speak with reporters for the first time since Sunday's earthquake-triggered waves killed tens of thousands of people.

Bill Clinton Warns about Aid Chaos- BBC UK
Here is the link for Networkforgood.org
http://www.networkforgood.org/topics/international/earthquake/tsunami122604.aspx?source=YAHOO&cmpgn=HMPCRS

Latest Figures of the Death Toll - Exceeding 116,000 People

Sri Lanka: 18,706 dead
Indonesia: 27,174 dead
India: 4,371 dead
Thailand: 1,516 dead
Maldives: 52 dead
Malaysia: 44 dead
Burma: 30 dead
Bangladesh: 2 dead
Somalia: 100 dead
Kenya: 1 dead
Seychelles: 3 dead
Tanzania: 10 dead

According to British Gurdian

The true horror emerges Â· Number killed tops 60,000 Â· Children may make up a third of dead, says UN Â· Disease could double toll Steven Morris and John Aglionby in Phuket, ThailandWednesday December 29, 2004

Ememrgency Number Provided by CNN

Emergency Numbers from CNN (CNN) -- If you are looking for information on relatives or friends in the areas affected by the tsunami, here are some disaster hotlines from around the region: To contact representatives from India, call +91 11 2309 3054 To reach Thailand, call their emergency hotline at +66 2643 5262 and 2643 5000 For information about local residents in Sri Lanka, call +94 11 536 1938, for tourists the number is +94 11 243 7061 In the Maldives, the government hotline is +44 20 7224 2149 For more information on travelers in the Seychelles, call +248 321 676

Please Give to Tusami Relif Fund- Get Involved

You may find the list or Organization accepting Aid and Donation

http://www.cnn.com/2004/WORLD/asiapcf/12/28/tsunami.aidsites/index.html

Canadian Tusami Aids May be given to These Organizations

HELPING TSUNAMI VICTIMS:
The following non-profit organizations are among those collecting donations to help survivors of the Dec. 26 tsunami:
Canadian Red Cross1-800-418-1111(or donate through your local Red Cross office)
UNICEF Canada1-800-567-4483UNICEF Canada2200 Yonge St., Suite 1100Toronto, Ont.M4S 2C6
Oxfam Canada1-800-466-9326Asian Earthquake/Floods Relief, Oxfam Canada200-215 Spadina AvenueToronto, Ont.M5T 2C7
World Vision Canada1-800-268-5528
CARE Canada1-800-267-5232
Mennonite Central Committee1-888-622-6337
Canadian Tamil Congress 416-751-8777
Canadian Relief Organization for Peace in Sri Lanka 416-429-2822

Reuters Altert Net Article

Tsunami devastates remote Indian island group
28 Dec 2004 15:36:08 GMTSource: Reuters(Adds quote, updates toll)
By Suresh Seshadri
PORT BLAIR, India, Dec 28 (Reuters) - Rescuers began reaching India's remote Andaman and Nicobar islands on Tuesday to find barely a third of residents on one isle were still alive two days after a devastating tsunami.
Officials fear at least 7,000 people have been killed on this and one other island alone -- bringing the estimate for all of India to about 11,500 -- with contact still to be made with several more of the island group near Myanmar and Indonesia.
On the second island, only piles of rubble and debris remained of the housing blocks of an air force base, a hundred officers and their families swept out to sea by waves higher than the two-storey buildings in which they had sought shelter.
There has been no contact since Sunday with one of the chain's biggest islands, Grand Nicobar, the closest to the epicentre of the earthquake that caused the tsunami, killing more than 50,000 across Asia.
About 9,000 live on Grand Nicobar.
Andaman and Nicobar administration relief chief Puneel Goel said 6,000 of the 30,000 people living on the island of Car Nicobar, site of the air force base, were feared dead.
"It our estimate that about 20 percent of the population of Car Nicobar may have perished," he told Reuters.

Health agencies move to stop epidemics in tsunami's wakeLast Updated Tue, 28 Dec 2004 22:13:48 EST
GENEVA - Communicable diseases that develop in the aftermath of southern Asia's deadly tsunami could claim as many lives as the initial earthquake and massive waves, the World Health Organization warned Tuesday.
INDEPTH: Tsunamis

Jan Egeland speaks during a news conference Dec.28 at the United Nations in New York (AP photo)
Reports vary on the number dead in 11 Asian and African countries, but more than 52,000 deaths have been confirmed.
Relief officials said epidemics of cholera and malaria, brought on by lack of clean water and sanitation in areas flooded with sea water and contaminated by the remains of human and animal victims, could double that initial toll.

World Vision Provides Food to India- Thank you World Vision- Tapas Shome

Reuters Alter Net article.

World Vision International (WVI)Website: http://www.wvi.org/World Vision's relief teams have continued their efforts on the east coast of India, providing relief to thousands of families affected by the tsunami.
Cooked food is being distributed to around 3,000 families in Andhra Pradesh and Tamilnadu. Meanwhile, assessment teams have been sent to villages around Cuddalore and Nagapattinam - two of the most affected areas of Tamilnadu.
Food, clothes, utensils and medicines are being procured to put together seven-day relief packs, to be distributed among families in need.
Additional assessment teams are heading towards Pondicherry - a former French colony - as well as Kannyakumar, the district that is lands end in India. Damage figures that are coming from these areas show there may be greater need in these areas.
World Vision has been invited to be the lead agency in responding to the disaster in Kollam, Kerala on the west coast of India where the tsunami had wreaked havoc.
“We have committed 5% of our ADP (Area Development Program) budget to add to the funds that will be provided by the government to provide clean drinking water and sanitation facilities,” says Jomon Baby, Programme Manager, Pathanamthitta ADP.
World Vision projects involved in this program include Pathanamthitta, Sahyan Valley and Allepey-Kottayam ADPs.
A number of World Vision offices around the world have committed funds to the relief efforts in the country. These include WV Australia, WV Canada, WV Germany, WV Hong Kong, WV Japan, WV New Zealand and WV United Kingdom.
For more information on World Vision International visit http://www.wvi.org, or contact us at newsvision@wvi.org

New Jersy Activities

Here is another link for making donations: www.networkforgood.org I just copied and pasted the following article from my local N.J. TV (News 12) channel's web site: "(12/27/04) DENVILLE – Many Asian communities in New Jersey are banding together in an effort to help survivors of the deadly Indian Ocean tsunami. The tidal wave, created by an enormous earthquake, has killed more than 22,000 people and left millions homeless. The destruction has affected nine different countries on the other side of the globe. One couple trying to do their part to help survivors is Jay and Theresa Liyanage of Denville. They are collecting items to help people in their native country of Sri Lanka battle, among other problems, water-born diseases. Jay, who is the Sri Lankan consulate for the east coast, will be collecting medical supplies and money for the relief effort at his office in Morristown. Those interested in donating can call 973-993-8777 ext 210" I am sure other communities' media will be announcing other relief efforts. Cordially, Nina M. Sherwood http://www.giftedwriting.com www.websitewrite.com

Misssing Persons in Asian Tusami- Copied from BBC World Service

Asian Quake - Missing Persons
Thousands of people are still missing and millions are homeless following the Asia earthquake that has seen the death toll reach tens of thousands.
Huge waves triggered by the worst earthquake in 40 years have devastated large parts of South and South East Asia.
The BBC News website has received many messages from people eager to find out about the whereabouts of families and friends who live in or are visiting the region.
Can you help? Or, have you lost contact with someone in the region?
Use the form on the right to send your stories.
You can read our message board for missing persons by clicking on the links below.
Click here for those missing in Thailand
Click here for those missing in Sri Lanka
Click here for those missing in India
Click here for those missing in the Maldives

Various Blog Sites of Interest

Reading Room: The TsunamiA collection of sites with first-person accounts and photos
Tuesday, Dec. 28, 2004
The South-East Asia Earthquake and Tsunami BlogNews and information about resources, aid, donations and volunteer efforts

http://tsunamihelp.blogspot.com/
First-person accounts

http://www.livejournal.com/users/insomnia/525268.html
Phuket Tsunami Photo Gallery

http://www.pbase.com/issels/phuket_tsunami&page=1
Photos From Sri Lanka

http://www.thiswayplease.com/extra.html
Email accounts from survivors

http://www.cnn.com/2004/WORLD/asiapcf/12/28/more.emails/index.html

BBC News

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/talking_point/4125619.stm
Reader photos: BBC News

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_pictures/4129799.stm
2004 Indian Ocean EarthquakeWikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2004_Indian_Ocean_earthquake
Tsunami in Southeast Asia: A Summary ReportWorldChanging

http://www.worldchanging.com/archives/001814.html

Canadin Foreign Affairs Office

Tsunamis - natural disaster (December 29, 2004)
A strong earthquake measuring 9 on the Richter scale hit Southeast Asia on December 26, 2004. The earthquake, reportedly the most powerful in 40 years, triggered massive tsunamis (tidal waves) in Sri Lanka, southern India, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, and the Maldives. Tsunami waves have also hit the coastal areas of Bangladesh, Burma (Myanmar), Mauritius and Somalia. Tens of thousands of deaths are reported, and numerous persons are missing or displaced. Damage is considerable. Power, communications and transportation services have been disrupted in many areas. Medical and other essential services may be limited.The most severely affected areas are:Sri Lanka: the east coast of Sri Lanka from Trincomalee in the northeast to Galle in the south.Southern India: the coastal areas of southern and eastern India, in particular the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.Indonesia: the west coast of northern Sumatra, including Aceh Province and offshore islands.Thailand: the west coast of Thailand and the islands off that coast, including Phuket. Malaysia: Penang and Langkawi Island. Maldives: all coastal areas.Canadians currently in these regions should follow the advice of local authorities and contact them for information on further tidal waves, avoid disaster areas, and if they require assistance contact the Canadian High Commission in Colombo (responsible for Sri Lanka and the Maldives), the Canadian High Commission in New Delhi (India), the Embassy of Canada in Bangkok (Thailand), or the Canadian temporary office at the Sheraton Laguna Hotel in Phuket (country and area codes: 66-7/ tel: 632-4101; fax: 632-4108), the Embassy of Canada in Jakarta (Indonesia), the Canadian High Commission in Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), the Canadian High Commission in Dhaka (Bangladesh), the Australian Embassy in Rangoon (which provides consular services to Canadians in Burma),the Consulate of Canada in Port Louis (Mauritius) or the Canadian High Commission in Nairobi, Kenya (responsible for Somalia). Canadians in these countries who are safe should advise relatives and friends in Canada. Anyone with good reason to believe that Canadian friends or relatives are in the affected areas can contact Foreign Affairs Canada's Emergency Operations Centre at 613-944-2471 or 1 800 606-5499.Travellers should check with their travel agent or tour operator to determine whether the earthquake and tsunami have affected their travel arrangements, and plan accordingly.For advice on travel to Bangladesh, Burma (Myanmar), India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritius, Somalia, Sri Lanka, and Thailand, see Foreign Affairs Canada's Travel Report.

Center for Disaster Information Organization

You can get latetst information here.
http://www.cidi.org/incident/tsunami/

International Rescue Committee (IRC) -
USAWebsite: http://www.theirc.org/

Srilank Tsunami Information Web Site
http://www.contactsrilanka.org/

AlertNet offers AIDfund to NGOs at Asia quake scene
29 Dec 2004Source: AlertNet
Reuters AlertNet invites NGOs to apply for money from AIDfund for work in response to the emergency engulfing a swath of coastal nations across the Indian Ocean from Indonesia to Sri Lanka and beyond to Africa.
Giant waves on December 26 were triggered by a 9.0-magnitude undersea earthquake -- the world’s biggest in 40 years -- killing tens of thousands of people and destroying millions of homes in Bangladesh, India, Kenya, Madagascar, Maldives, Mauritius, Myanmar, Indonesia, Somalia, Sri Lanka and Thailand.
AIDfund -- established by Reuters Foundation - provides rapid funding to charities and relief organisations around the world in times of disaster.
This funding is only available to AlertNet’s 343 member NGOs from 84 countries. Click here to check if your organisation is an AlertNet member.
If you have any questions, call Nina Brenjo on +44 20 7542 2432 or write to alertnet@reuters.com
The deadline for funding applications is December 30, 1700 GMT.
Click here to access the application form.

Missing Person Location Information- Courtsey Nina Sherwood

To locate a missing U.S. citizen due to the Tsunami disaster, contact The State Department through this link at MSNBC.com:
http://www.msnbc.com/modules/interactive.asp?id=/d/ip/tsunami_aid_04/data.js&navid=6758618
This is the link for the American Red Cross' web site, and their toll free numbers (indicate that you are donating to the International Disaster Relief Fund): http://www.redcross.org/donate/donate.html Call 1-800-HELP-NOW (1-800-435-7669) English speaking Call 1-800-257-7575 Spanish Speaking Call 1-800-220-4095 For TDD Operator Thank you. Cordially, Nina M. Sherwood http://www.giftedwriting.com http://www.websitewrite.com

Please Donate to Asia Tsunami Crisis

2004-12-26T22:52:00.000-06:00

Time Updated - Winnipeg 10.20 PM
In South East Asia 12,000 People are dead and estimates are escalating.
Please donate to
1.0 Red Cosss International
2.0 Oxam International
3.0 Swiss Aid International

Countries Affected
1.0 South East Costal India
2.0 Madevis ( It is largely unpopulated- Aircraft landing may be impossible )
3.0 Srilanka ( Cylone)( Gorge Jacob - If you are in Candy, Cylone- Please contact Me)
4.0 Indonesia( I am contacing an old classmate there- Budi Raharjo- If you are organizing some thing Let me know.)
5.0 Thailand ( Especially resort area popular with western tourtist)
6.0 Andaman and Nicober Islands
7.0 Diago Garcia details are not in at this momemnt.

Note: Us and UN Relif angeney are being sent in the Region. India has deployed a fleet of ships with Bell Helicompters with supplies. My question US has presence in Diago Garcia and they should be able to assist rapidly. Long Range Bell Helicopres will be useful in the operation. Fixed Wing Aircfrat may NOT be very useful at this point. Australian army may be useful for the damage assesment. Since they are familiar with the Papuaga New Guinea and the East and West Idonesia.

Immediate Need: Drinking Water, Blakets and Non Perishable Foods. Also Very Important Satellite Telephone and Portable Generators and Diesel/Gasoline Fuel.

Need Contact: 1.0 Kirtipala - if you are in Colombo and need some help please contac me in what ever means possible. I am in Canada and My Familiy in Calcutta India will be able to certainly help organize help for you. Please note that commnucation links has snapped in most part of Cylone. Use Radio satellite if Possible.

Purification of Drinking Water:
Acording to my understaning:

Contaminated and dirty water can be boiled to 80 Degree centigrade and filterted with common cloth to make driniking water. It is not clear but safe to drink.

Dehydrartion and diarrhea can be prevented by taking equal parts of sugar and salt and addded to clean water. this has effect similar to adding saline drip in vanes.

Delphi Fire Bird Book OF A Press

2004-11-30T02:48:00.000-06:00

I just Picked up the Firebird Book from the A Press, It is Fantastic and great.

More on this Subject Later. By the way any One wish to network with me can find me on the
www.linkedin.com Web site.

Networking web sites

2004-11-09T01:43:00.000-06:00

I came across the following web sites and they are very interesting for creating Networking Purposes. I reuest all students to join in these blog sites.

1.0 www.linkedin.com
2.0 www.techvibes.com

Ground UP Development

2004-10-25T13:08:00.000-05:00

I am interrested in discussing Entrepreneurship and Gound Up Development.
Feel Free to post your thoughts here.

The Enterprise Integration battle

2004-10-13T01:11:00.000-05:00

I am trying to understand how the J2EE and Microsfoft .net technology is dividing the war on enterprise integration. More on this later.

J2EE Developers Hand Book

2004-10-13T01:06:00.000-05:00

As an effort to understand enterprise Integration, I am following this hand book. The organization and content is excellent- ISBN0-67232348-6

I wish I had come acreoss this book earlier. I will be looking at the following other resources

1.0 www.blackdown.org
2.0 www.otn.oracle.com
3.0 www.sun.com

I will post all the progress here.

High Speed Internet and satellite in First Nation

2004-10-12T13:48:00.000-05:00

We are discussing allthe issues with Wirelss based high speed internet in Firt nation, VOIP and satllite based deef to high speed internet. Please feel free to pst your comments.

Oracle 10g. 9i and 8i

2004-10-10T18:55:00.000-05:00

Here is one of the link that I found useful for learning Oracle 10g, 9i and 8i.

http://cimic.rutgers.edu/~holowcza/oracle/sqlplus
Credit for the tutorial goes to Richard Holowczak of Rutgers Univerity. The tutorial is free of cost.

I am working on the Redhat Linux 8. with Oracle 9.i and Oracle 8i application server.
I am plaaning to integrate with Visual Studio.net and Delphi 8.0 application development tools.
If you have any questuions, I will be able to help and answer. I have Integrated .net applcation with MSDE 2000 server, But had my share of problesm with Xp service pack 2. I am planing to test Firebird on the Linux server as well. More on this later.

XML Syndication Tips and Tricks

2004-10-05T13:22:00.000-05:00

I will reviewing RSS Feed and al the stuff. Coming Very soon

New Books that I am Reading

2004-10-04T17:02:00.000-05:00

These are the books that I am reading at present:

1.o Times Literary Supplement( TLS)- It is a newspapaer
2.0 The Linux Networking Architecture - Design and Implementation of Network Protocols in the Linux Kernel- ISBN 0-13-177720-3
3.0 Beyond Software Architecture- Luke Hoffmann-
4.0 Whorton on Dynamic Competitive Strategy- ISBN- 0-471-68957-2
5.- Professional Sql Server 2000 Programming- Wrox Press- ISBN 0-7645-4379-2

I will post my reaction to these stuff shortly.

MIT Courses Available Online

2004-09-24T01:32:00.000-05:00

WE all can see what is tuaght online at MIT, it is free.
Here is the Link http://ocw.mit.edu/OcwWeb/index.htm
More on this later

Oracle Tecnology Network Partner

2004-09-24T01:21:00.000-05:00

As a Oracle Technology Partnet Network, I am intsalling Oracle 9i on te Redhat Linux server 8.0. All the documentationa dn problems will be psoted in this page: All comments will be summarized here. Sql Connections will be studied using Network analyzer. The application that wil tested will be developed in Borland.net and Microsoft Visual Studio.net Technology. More on thsi later.

Mathcad for Digital Signal Processing

2004-09-21T20:24:00.000-05:00

Iam using mathcad for Ditital Signal processing for a consulting project. It is interesting to learn that simulation has enterred main streatm with a course freely available from US university.

I found the couse matrial based visula studio-6 is quite good and informative.
The url for the course notes are at http://www.towson.edu/~moleary/WWW/Scientific_Simulation.html

Project Cost Estimation

2004-09-18T01:39:00.000-05:00

I am loking at a scientific way for estimating the cost of the Software Project. Any Pointers will be apreciated.

MS Visual Studio .Net Development

2004-09-10T13:10:00.000-05:00

I just picked up the book Entrerprise Development with Visual Studio .Net, UML and MSF by
John Erik Hansen and Carsten Thompson. It looks excellent and just what I wanted.

It has two complete .net development- complete with UML requirement analysis and design. I wish there are similar books and documentation for Borland Delphi. The ISBN is 1-59059-042-2 . The book has nice balance of Visio, UML and .Net development. My initial impression, I like it.

At present I am working with one of the examples to fit my present assignment. However I am unable to find the example codes from apress.com. I would certainly recommend this book as a second course. The first course should be Object- Oriented Software Engineering- A USE Case approach of Ivor Jacobson.

I also find it has no reference, and in particular, that UML and USE case has its genesis is SDL, which is widely used in telecommunication systems design in Europe. In fact Ivor Jacobson derived and refined the Idea from SDL directly.

Rest of the Book revoiew will be later.

Borland Interbase SQL Server

2004-09-07T23:47:00.000-05:00

In order to master the Delphi Database programming I have to master the Interbase on Xp.
A couple of Tutorial came with the product and it is quite good. I am also using Date as the Theoretical guide of the Database Design.

The more I read the more I see the gap between theory and ppractice. The gap between Software Engineering and theory is very big. I wonder how average person crosses this gap. May be big companies have traning department. More on this letter. No Wonder average students has a such a negative view of formal education in Software Engineering.

I am also Loking into Firebird Open source , which is reincarnation of the Interbase as the Open source. At present I am testing on the Redhat 8.0 Environment.

Contracts for Consulting Work

2004-09-02T23:23:00.000-05:00

Whay is it so difficult to get the consulting contract for Engineering Graduates. It looks like trading expertise is more difficult however sell of Products is easy. Can any One help me.

Delphi and J2EE Any One

2004-08-27T22:32:00.000-05:00

I am yet to explore the J2EE aspect of Delphi. I remember buying book with Tirupathi Temple on it as the J2EE reference. I will discover more on this. In the mean while is there a list of books for J2EE that I should look or just check it with amazon.com. More on this is later.

Also Is thre any free tutorial on J2ee, I will post my findings later.

Book Review:

1.0 I am reading the book mastering Delphi -7 by Marco Cantu. It is very good. However it has no refernce to dabase text that is covered under ACM/IEEE curriculam. Also It has no refernce to research and concepts which is independet of Delphi. This gives some one the distorted view that Reflection/Metadata and such topics are only available to Delphi. If such refernce are given the ideas, concept and technology can be decoupled, and people may be able to do independent research/study. This is just a thought. The ACM website also do not dirtectly integrate with avilable technology. The implmentation/technology with concept theory must be bridged for the programming and software development to prpgress properly. These are just my toughts.

More on this later:

Software Factory and entrepreneurship

2004-08-22T17:51:00.000-05:00

I just came across this blog site in Bagalore India. It may be useful for people to start a high tech business. I like the Reference to IEEE entrepreneurship site. Please take a look.
Mano's Muse

Classs Library and Design Patterns

2004-08-09T00:41:00.000-05:00

I am collecting Free and Commercial Class Librray for Visual Studio.
Also I am collecting information about commercial Software Component such as Design Patterns. Please feel free to send me all the information that you may have.

I plan to publish a comprehensive component catalogue for the Software developer.

Sparc Works on Solaris Blade Server

2004-08-07T02:21:00.000-05:00

We will be discussing sparcworks for the Sun Blade server.
In addition I will bediscussing Aldec ASIC development system
VITAL-3.0 Compliance.
and other development issues.

Jobs for Young Graduates

2004-08-06T18:25:00.000-05:00

I always get a lot of questions about mentoring and suggestion for job searching for young graduates. I have have helped individual person to the best of my abilities. May be It has come to a time to complement formal career placement efforts of schools and universities.

I will try to list all the suggestions and methods that hs been useful to me and others.

The most Important things I think are the following:

1.0 Be yourself, do not try to get a job you do not like. It is a waste of your life.
2.0 Be informed, I mean gather info from Google and webfrret etc. News paper and TV is bit outdated.
3.0 Be Passionate about your tarde and Profession. And Stick to your Trade and profession.
4.0 continually Upgrade yourself. End of your formal education prepares you for life long self study. Make a habit of hanging around bookstore and libraries on Saturday.
5.0 If regular employment is difficult look for volunteer opportunity or go freelance at guru.com

6.0 Have Positive Mental Attitude-- More on this stuff latter.

7.0 Ask me hard and direct questions- or may be you should ask your self questions.

8.0 At end of the day just check- what got accomplished and what new thigs you have learned. or even how you can be efficient.

These are my personal thoughts. So Feel Free to comment.

Linux Thin Client Project

2004-08-06T17:42:00.000-05:00

All Thin Client discussions goes here.

I also Came Across some usfull Information about windows thin Clients.
We plan to discuss al these Facts Here.

Visual Studio.net

2004-08-06T17:38:00.000-05:00

Since our effort on Visualstudio.net is major and extensive, This topic will receive large amount of my time and development effort. Feel free to contribute and ask questions.
I found this Site to Be quite good for Visualstudio.net Information
http://samgentile.com/rainbow/Default.aspx?tabid=1

Initiative at the Local Universities

I need to understand who and whic universities locally has any comprehensive initiative under.net environment. At Present I am lloking into University Manitoba and Local community Colleges. Hoever If any one ahs other information please let me know.

Book review related to MS Visual studio.net

I must admit that I am partial to wrox Press for the Programming Text. However with wrox takeover , I am not sure what is the situation with programming text. Any way, I will try to summarize all the details of the development work annd Book reviwe under this ection.

I personally try to approach a subject using top down approach. This means I start with a general book at the top level and Get down to the bottom level with laguage specific book.
Right Now i am trying to determine what should be the best top level book about the Visual studio.net technology. I think I will start Looking at the wrox and amazon for the answers.
Many times the reviews of amazon is wrong. Can we improve the review process of the programming text book. I am looking for a suggestions for this area.

Any way, I am looking for best .net starting book. Behind me ai have two bokcases full for .net technology books. So I should Get started ASAP. All suugestions on your part is welcome.

Visual Studio.net 2003 - Wrox Press-

I have selected this Book to get me started in the Journy with .net. My installtion is .net 2002. However the bok Example are for newer version with .net SDk 1.1. Howwever I have not decised to upgrade this since so far I have seen not much nage for upgrade.

The book has a section on installtion which is a nice, however as with other Wrox book the coverage is chatic.
Xilions of Books has overlapping material and in the long run I think this will be unacceptable. The Present Book is useuful from chapter 15. The explannation of .net is not perticularly clear in this text.
Also The book has no refrence to previous work and work in progress. Like many other computer text. The wrox authors belives that Detailed index and Reference are of little use. But I have a question, How Do some one connect theory with practice.

More on this later.

Borland Delphi Based Development-

2004-08-06T12:43:00.000-05:00

I am plannig to have zilion cups of coffee and Jazz of Ahmed Jamal( Awakening - Piano trio) over Delphi Version 8.0- Professional

If you plan to consume gallons of cofee and Jazz Music at the same time with Delphi-8- Professional, post your thoughts here.

1.0 Installation Problem of MS-SQL 2000 server.
For no Apraant Reason MS-SQl- 2000 This Morning started complaning that it has pending Operation on some files, and refused to install. In Frustration, I tried looking for all the readme files for answer. I even spent News Groups of Delphi for help. I posted in some of them.

However After 4 hours of frustration , I searched the Webferret for clue, ( Some ghood cup of Tea/cofee helped along with Cool FM Jazz) I found some tid bits of answer.

I have to edit the registry and It is done as follows. HOW am I supposed to Know that.
I tried even the Knoledge base of the Microsoft. May be I did not do the due dilligence on my part( What ever that supposed to mean). That piece of i got from the net. However , It DID solve my problem.

Next the service Pack Installation goes ok I think.

Here is the secret :

SQL Server issues this error message when Setup detects that some files need updating and that the registry has operations pending to update those files on the next reboot. You can see this scenario in the registry key HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\SessionManager\pendingfilerenameoperations. One way to eliminate this error message is to delete the registry's pending file rename or delete keys. Note that deleting either of these keys might prevent a necessary file update from occurring, perhaps causing an incomplete operation. Renaming the keys might be safer; then, you can restore the names after your SQL Server installation is complete.

Book Review:

I have started going thourh the Book, Delphi for .Net Developer's Guide by Pacheco- Smas Publishing ( You should be able to get in from Amazon/local store). It has very nice introduction about what the .net is about in very systemetic fashion. I like it. I am yet to see this kind of explanation in the VB.NET text book that I am reading Mostly from Wrox Press.

Video Streaming Servers

2004-08-06T12:38:00.000-05:00

Hello All:
Video streaming is becoming main stream. You are encouraged to discuss all the technical details of the media streaming and compression standards. We are also Looking for NS2/Xkernel bassed simulation stuff for Video streaming.

HP Linux Laptop

2004-08-05T13:09:00.000-05:00

Only a true geek would appreciate a Linux laptop. I gotta have one!

Getting Rid of the Blogspot Ad Bar

2004-08-01T20:13:00.000-05:00

Just add an extra body tag in your template, and no more Ad Bar!

Shortage of UML/CASE Tools for Small Developers.

2004-08-01T19:38:00.000-05:00

The thread of discussion are the following:

1.0 UML 2.0 and Case Tools
2.0 Shortage of training and effectiveness of the tool in the small business development area
3.0 Visio 2003 based development.
4.0 If you had one tool for the Visual Studio.net development, what it would be?
5.0 Can a blog site like this integrate practical aspect of Software Engineering with tenure driven research of Computer Science/Computer Engineering.
6.0 How to seperate hype from substance.
7.0 Lists of Books/Papers/Weblog/Website to continually re-educate oneself.
8.0 Open Issues
9.0 ACM/IEEE publications
10.0 Editorial review on the blog for correctness.

Tamil Nadu School Disaster- BLOG LIFT

2004-07-16T19:37:00.000-05:00

I am requesting concerbned citizens to donate money which will be given to school trustee that was raged by fire in Tamil Nadu, India.

I have not received any formal approval for receiving donations, however I plan to comply with Canadian and Manitoba charities law to the fullest extent. Entire amount collected will bo donted to the concerned School.

Please send any comments to software@keencomputer.com

System Level Simulation in Electrical Enginnering

2004-07-07T00:25:00.000-05:00

Here we will be discussing Simualtion in Electrical Engineering in variuos Levels

1.0 EMTDC/NETOMAC/SPICE for Power system Simulation
2.0 Flexible Ac Tranmission Systems
3.0 Power Electronics and Thyristor Drives
4.0 Digtal Signal Processing and Control Systems
5.0 DSP Based Control System Design
6.0 Books and Papers of Ineterest.
7.0 Link to Tenders and Engineering Consulting Service
8.0 Trade Fair and jobs etc- IEEE Activities, Local Chapters.
9.0 Any Open Issues
10.0 Reviw of Technical Books

All Electrical Enginers are welcome to Join this blog Site.
Professor Ani Gole, Power System Chair, Electrical Engineering, The University of Mnitoba, has been requested to co-ordinate this blog if time permits.

Turbo Diesel

2004-07-07T00:12:00.000-05:00

I love the following Vehicles

1 Mercedes Benz 300d 1985
2.0 VW Tranporter 2.4 L Diesel 5 Inline Euro Van

All this Diesel and efficient.

Hardware Software Codesign

2004-07-06T23:47:00.000-05:00

This is my PHD Thesis Topic:
All Persons interested in Hardware Software Co-design please post Here.
I am going to Include my On going Research Work here.

Overview:
Hardware software is design methodology for Integrated design of hardware and software using concurrent simulation of Hardware and Software Together. An exaple will be development of Advanced Router using untested/new communication proptoal and application specific integrated circuit(ASIC) whic is being designed in HDL/Verilog in top down fashion.

The objective is to create a system in a shortest possible time.

Linux Distrbution Redhat Suse

2004-07-06T23:30:00.000-05:00

It looks like suse will be disributing using Ingram Micro etc. Also note
red hat is asking for direct download. I think this will limit the Distribution of the
Linux Software. Please post all the discussions here.

Blogging Links of Interest

2004-07-01T17:55:00.000-05:00

I have found the following Links of Interest:
1.0 Red Herring
2.0 Smart Mobs

SCO Open Server

2004-06-17T00:01:00.000-05:00

We want to discuss SCO Open server Issues Here.

Router Survey

2004-06-16T23:58:00.000-05:00

We are collecting SOHO and commercial Grade Router Survey.
Please post all your comments here.
Currently we are discussing D704P and Linksys WRV54G Routers.
Security Hotspot and Wireless Range is also Discussed Here.

Red Hat Dicussion Anyone?

2004-06-16T23:57:00.000-05:00

Please post your Redhat discussion Here.
Has any one installed Readhat 9.0 in the Intel platform.
Also note Linksys has the GPL code availabale for download fron its web site.
Is Fedora stable?
Any one needs access to REDHAt 8.0 Based server for Development?
We have couple of servers we can allow access for academic and or development work?
Interested please email me.

Simply Accounting 8.5A

2004-06-13T21:32:00.000-05:00

I had to spend more than 5 dsys to get the accounts and the Simply Accounting to behave
properly. The hardest part was the Crystal Report to produce something meaningful.

The postings of the TechnSupport was cryptic at the best. At one point after appling CA service pack 1 the Win-XP prof box would not even Boot up. I had to remove it manuaally in safe mode. What a hassle!!!. I just thought I will post this bit. I have XP-Prof SP1 and Simply Accounting 8.5A with Service Pack 1 from CA. The system comes to agrinding halt once the data is upgraded. I even had to recover the datafrom the Backup.