Earthquake & Tidal Wave!

We have been watching the aweful news of the earthquake and tidal wave that resulted.

Many of us will have friends, especially from Aikido, in those areas and we are desperately worried.

We hope that everyone in those areas affected are safe and well and we want to tell you that you are all in our thoughts.

Si & Ania Wilson

Indeed. My thoughts go out to everyone in the areas affected. I hope everyone and everyone you know are safe.

-- Jun

Hey all - I know that this forum reaches folks all over the world. I just wanted to reach out to those who have been affected by this terrible disaster that has befallen Indonesia following the earthquake and tsunami. My thoughts are with you if you have loved ones there and/or if you are there, and my actions are with whatever aid organizations that are offering help.
Please take care, and be well.

Thank you Si and Jun for your concerns.

Up to press time, there are reports of up to 53 fatalities and 30 more missing. The affected area are mainly on the northern region of Malaysia, being closest to the epicentre of the quake. Those mostly affected are residents living on the beachfront and numerous fishermen at sea.

It came without warning. And as a nation this is an unprecedented natural disaster.

Thanks again for your concern.

Boon.

I'll second that. It's not like Aceh needed any more problems, too...

I was just reminded that a friend is supposed to by in Phuket Thailand on his honeymoon. I'm just hoping that whoever told me got his dates wrong and there is another reason I can't get hold of him.

I can't even look at the news right now. Yesterday was the day everybody was stunned and went, "Wow." Today is the day everybody started finding their loved ones dead.

Every person who lost someone dear deserves the undivided comfort of everyone around them. I can't imagine how it must feel to be in that kind of pain and be just one, little case, in the midst of all that destruction and misery.

My heartfelt sympathy goes out to everyone affected.

Bill Danosky wrote: My heartfelt sympathy goes out to everyone affected.

I echo the sentiments. My sympathies go out to those touched by this disaster.

The devastation to life in Indonesia, Philipines, Thailand and further areas has been massive. I pray for the families of lost people from natures horrific wrath. I hope those that have friends and families in that area are safe and find safe haven.

I hope for the best.

Hi, if people wish to help with donations assisting the victims; www.redcross.org

I have emailed my friends and I am relieved to hear back from almost all! But I have not heard back from Thalib who I know through AikiWeb!

If you want to donate, there is the Disaster Emergency Committee (DEC) - http://www.dec.org.uk/ (UK web site)! It is a amalagam which incudes the Rde Cross!

It is not important where the organisation is, just give your cash!

Dear All

Please give what you can to the charity appeals for the tsunami disaster. One appear is at http://www.dec.org.uk/, which is the Disaster Emergency Committee, and includes organisations like the Red Cross and Save The Children.

Give what you can, and also tell here of you experiences to spur the response.

I have managed to contact nearly everyone, but I have one person left to hear from - an AikiWeb member in Indonesia!

If you have any money, please give some!

Si

Hi, I'm an AikiWeb member from Indonesia...

A lot of us here are collecting money, food, clothes and medical supplies to send to Aceh, but sadly, full scale relieve efforts are still far away...

Regards,
Joezer

Hi everyone,

I'm making an "executive decision" and moving this thread to the "General" forum for now due to the gravity of the situation.

I think the best way people can help out right now is to donate cash to a charity organization that helps out with disaster relief. I believe many, if not most, are currently directing most of their attention to the disaster-stricken area. Although I'm sure many of us would like to gather up clothing, blankets, and medical supplies, there is a lot of advice (such as this article) that suggests that cash sent to disaster relief agencies with professionals who can best route the help would be more beneficial.

Here are some lists of organizations helping out with the disaster relief:

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/s...toryId=4248155
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6762528/site/newsweek/
http://www.cnn.com/2004/WORLD/asiapc...tes/index.html

Also, in an effort to try to mobilize the AikiWeb community in helping out with disaster relief, I went and put up a page to collect donations from the AikiWeb community here:

http://www.aikiweb.com/store/disaster.html

Please read everything on this above page before donating, though. Donating directly to organizations may be more cost effective.

In any case, although I can certainly think of many ways to spend the money myself, AikiWeb is going to donate $500 to the American Red Cross to help with the disaster relief.

Please help in any way that you can. Don't forget that even if you can not offer monetary donations, organizations such as the American Red Cross can use volunteers, even at their local location.

My thoughts go out to everyone affected by this disaster.

Sincerely,

-- Jun

The UK Disaster Emergency Committee (DEC) is made up of a number of member aid agencies:

Action Aid
British Red Cross
CAFOD
Care
Christian Aid
Concern
Help The Aged
Merlin
Oxfam
Save The Children
Tear Fund
World Vision

DEC are receiving donations specifically for the tsunami earthquake appeal on-line at www.dec.org.uk and by telephone on 0870 60 60 900.

Please give all you can.

To donate in the UK:

The Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) is an umbrella group of UK charities including, among others, British Red Cross, Cafod, Oxfam, Save the Children, Tearfund
Call them on 0870 60 60 900 or donate online at www.dec.org.uk

By the end of the week people should be able to donate cash or cheques - made payable to the DEC Tsunami Earthquake Appeal - at High Street banks.

Cash or cheques (made payable to Post Office Ltd) can be donated over the counter at Post Office branches.

Other bodies raising money include the Muslim groups Muslim Aid (020 7377 4200) and Islamic Relief (0121 622 0622) and the Hindu charities Sewa International 0116 261 0303 and the ISKCON Disaster Appeal on 01923 856848.

Sri Lankan organisations including Asia Quake Relief Appeal UK (asia-quakerelief@europe.com) are also raising money

Please give all you can. This is a global disaster affecting people from all over the world.

For those outside the UK, the AikiWeb appeal is available, donating to the American Red Cross:

http://www.aikiweb.com/store/disaster.html

Please help if you can.

Si

it is horrifying. i have a co-teacher who worked in phuket..i could not contact her either. i'm worried.
i want to thank all of you who are concerned and are finding means and ways to help.
i feel sooo aaarrggghh!!

I was just watching the news, now 125,000 reported dead plus many thousands missing. The DEC appeal has so far raised 45,000,000 pounds from the British public. The first relief supplies are starting to reach the areas in need but much more is needed.

Best wishes for the New Year to one and all.

Bryan

The number confirmed dead has now reached 148,000! The DEC appeal has raised over £60,000,000 in the UK!

BUT MORE IS NEEDED!

Please, help if you can!

How is this for an Arsehole!!!

Give me 1 good reason why i should give them my hard earned money. Would they do the same for US I DOUBT IT

Wrong! If they had a way to help us if we needed it, they would! I have NO DOUBT!

My response!

1 Because they are human beings. 2 There but for the grace of God go I. 3 It is more than the right thing to do. 4 Most people would give what they could for other people suffering. 5 Remember the story of the good Samaritan! AND MANY MORE!

Lets forget about the arseholes! They are like the terrorists!!! Those who have evil thoughts! It is OK if you cannot afford to give, but to dismiss people's suffering!!!! Come On!

That message broke my heart!

Just wanted to point out that to donate through the American Red Cross to the efforts in the tsunami region, make sure to select the International Response Fund. (https://www.redcross.org/donate/donation-form.asp)

Keep up the good work Jun & Si and all. My sympathies to those affected and their loved ones.

We have to do all we can and then find ways to do more!

These people are our brothers and sisters!

Love to all on this New Years Day!

Si

I think the Western governmrnts' responces have been so bad!

Japan has lead the way with an almost unconditional commitment!

The UK government first pledged a disgraceful £420,000, then shamed in to £1,000,000, then further shamed in to $15.000.000, and then even further shamed in to £50.000.000! The British people have exceeded that with giving more than a wonderful £60,000,000!

Oh, and Mr Blair is still on holiday in Egypt!!!!!!

Shameful. disgraceful, horrible and appaulling!

Let's not take this thread into the political realm, please. Thank you.

-- Jun