Sri Lankan 2004 Tsunami

International Aid
According to Transparency International, the non-governmental organisation who monitor
corporate and political corruption, of the $2.2bn (1.3bn) received by the Sri Lankan government
(some estimate the multinational corporation sum to be as much as $12bn), $60m was spent on
unrelated projects, while another 500m is missing.
Indian navy medical team arrived in Colombo within hours of the tsunami.
Eventually India deployed 14 ships, nearly 1,000 military personnel and several
dozen helicopters and airplanes to Sri Lanka.
A three-ship fleet carrying 2,000 U.S. Marines out of Diego Garcia was sent to Sri
Lanka. The Marines were bound for Iraq to assist in the January elections, but the
fleet included a dozen heavy-lift helicopters and surgical hospitals, both badly
needed in Sri Lanka.
On January 6, 2005, 150 members of the Canadian Disaster Assistance Response
Team (DART), a Canadian Forces group, arrived in Sri Lanka. The team brought four
water purification units and provided medical, engineering and communication
services. Another 50 members of the team arrived on January 8 to help the people
Relief efforts were impeded by heavy monsoon rain which washed-out roads and
caused freshwater flooding. In most of India the winter northeast monsoon is
relatively dry, but in Sri Lanka and Tamil Nadu it blows from Burma across the Bay of
Bengal picking up water from the sea.
In the early stages, before the extent of the disaster was clear, Sri Lanka refused
Israel's offers of aid, objecting to the inclusion of 60 Israeli soldiers in the 150person mission planned by Israel's army, to set up field hospitals, including internal
medicine and paediatric clinics, an Israeli army spokesman reported to BBC. Later,
the Israeli humanitarian organization sent a jumbo jet carrying 18.5 tonnes of
supplies to Colombo, however, and a rescue-and-recovery team from the Jewish
ultra-Orthodox organization ZAKA arrived in Colombo with equipment used for
identifying bodies, as well as body bags.
Government Aid
Australia - After committing and distributing to international aid an initial A$10
million pledge (US$7.7 million), the government of Australia announced on 29 and
31 December that two additional disbursements of A$25 million (US$18.1 million)
each would be committed: A$10 million to aid organizations, A$10 million to
Indonesia, and A$5 million (US$3.6 million) to Sri Lanka.
Australia's three major commercial television networks, the Seven Network, the
Nine Network and Network Ten took the unprecedented step of pooling resources to
organize a special concert telethon which aired on 8 January. As of end of broadcast,
the figure raised/pledged was A$15,198,349.53, however phone lines remained

open and the final tally totalled at over A$20 million.. The Australian public has
raised over A$190 million (US$143.37 million) so far.
Cambodia - The Royal Cambodian Government has donated US$40,000 total:
US$10,000 each to India, Indonesia, Sri Lanka and Thailand
Hong Kong - As of 7 January 2005, citizens of Hong Kong have donated a total of
HKD 560 million (US$71.8 million) (CRHK, HKET).
Macau - SAR (PRC) Macau Red Cross has collected MOP 35 m.
India - The federal government has pledged INR 1 billion (US$23 million) to Sri
Lanka and Maldives in addition to warships and aircraft to distribute relief supplies.
A federal budgetary allocation of INR 7 billion (US$160 million) has been earmarked
for immediate distribution to affected Indian provinces.
As part of India's rescue and aid-assistance,the Indian Navy and the Indian Coast
Guard deployed 32 Naval ships, seven aircraft and 20 helicopter in the Indian ocean
region. This was the part of various operations like Operation Madad (in Indian
states of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu coasts), Operation Sea Waves (in Indian
territory of Andaman & Nicobar Islands), 'Operation Castor' (in Maldives), 'Operation
Rainbow' (on Sri Lanka) and 'Operation Gambhir' (in Indonesia). Also Indian Naval
group was able to start the rescue operations in neighboring countries within 12
hours from the time of the Tsunami and the first foreign navy to reach them.
The citizens of India and various NGO's have actively participated in providing relief
materials and charity to the tsunami stricken people.
Japan - The Japanese government will provide US$500 million in aid to affected
countries. Emergency medical teams were sent to Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Thailand
and the Maldives.
Malaysia - Aid are being sent using C-130 Hercules transport aircraft, a volunteer
body for humanitarian relief consisting of doctors and nurses have also flown to Sri
Lanka.
New Zealand - The New Zealand government announced it will donate NZD10
million (US$7.2 million). On 18 January, the New Zealand Government announced
an increase in aid to a total of NZD68 million (US$47.2 million), including its initial
NZD10 million commitment. The government's response includes NZD20 million
(A$18.4 million) for United Nations relief efforts, NZD20 million (A$18.4 million) for
work in Aceh and other parts of Sumatra through a bilateral aid program in
Indonesia and a NZD19 million (A$17.5 million) dollar-for-dollar matching of public
donations by New Zealanders.
Pakistan - Government of Pakistan has announced a PKR 10 million (US$0.2
million) relief package for the earthquake victims of Sri Lanka. This consists of
goods such as tents, medicines, drinking water and food items.
Pakistan plans to send 500 military personnel in medical and engineering teams to
Indonesia and Sri Lanka.

Aeroplanes2 C-130 aeroplanes with relief goods and 250 doctors and engineers left
for Indonesia and Sri Lanka each. Six more C-130 will fly to Indonesia in a week to
help in the relief work. and also two Seaking helicopters onboard PNS (Pakistan
Navy Ship) Moawin are in Sri Lanka to provide logistics support.[87]
Navy ships Ships Khyber and Mua'awan are being sent to Sri Lanka. On board, these
ships have three helicopters, a marine Expeditionary Force, doctors, and
paramedics. Besides, relief goods medicines, medical equipment, food supplies,
tents, blankets- are being sent in huge quantities. Pakistan Navy ships, Tariq and
Nasr, on a good will visit to the Maldives, saved 367 foreign tourists, representing
17 nationalities conducted aerial surveys to judge the extent of damage, distributed
food and medicines, and provided medical assistance.[88] Pakistan Navy Task Force
arrived at Colombo port to provide humanitarian assistance and relief goods to the
government of Sri Lanka. An ISPR (Navy) statement here on Tuesday said that the
commander of the Task Force is Commodore Ehsan Saeed and it comprises Pakistan
Navy ship Moawin, a Logistic support ship having two Seaking helicopters onboard
and PNS Khaibar, a guided missile destroyer carrying one Aloutte helicopter. On
arrival, officials from Pakistan Mission at Colombo and local Navy officials of Sri
Lanka received the ships.
Upon arrival, a co-ordination meeting was held onboard PNS Moawin between Sri
Lanka Navy officials, Pakistan High Commissioner to Sri Lanka and Pakistan Navy
Mission Commander Commodore Ehsan Saeed to discuss the modus operandi of the
relief operat
Singapore - The Singapore government has pledged SGD 5M to relief efforts
initially, including SGD 1M in cash to the affected countries
South Korea - The South Korean Government has pledged an additional US$1.4M
on 28 December in addition to an earlier offer of support of US$600,000. A 20person emergency aid team consisting of 5 medical specialists, nurses and
administrative staff has been dispatched to Sri Lanka by The Korean Ministry of
Health and Welfare and a medical aid group. On 29 December a shipment with
medicine and medical supplies worth SKW 200M (US$192,000) followed the team.
Republic of China, Taiwan (ROC) - The ROC government has pledged US$50.0M
in aid to affected countries. If private philanthropic donations are calculated, relief
aid from Taiwan would be expected to reach US$60M. Other forms of humanitarian
aid include over 30,000 tons in emergency supplies and 50 medical teams to be
dispatched to affected areas.
Austria - The government wanted to give aid worth 50M (US$65.30M), but only
gave 8.9M in the end.
Belgium - Belgian government has sent 12M (US$16.4M). Various organisations
such as Artsen zonder Grenzen are sending medical teams. During the charity show
on 14 January, public and private media in Belgium have more than 38M collected.
Bulgaria - The Bulgarian Military Academy of Medicine has allocated BGN 200,000
(100,000) worth of aid to Indonesia and Sri Lanka in the form of medicines and

emergency equipment. The Bulgarian Red Cross and the national emergency
agency have sent emergency equipment, drugs and shelters.
Croatia - The Croatian government has decided to allocate HRK 4M (520,000) for
aid to the stricken region (the amount shall be split equally between India, Sri
Lanka, Indonesia and Thailand). Croatian Red Cross will contribute with HRK 4.8M
(630,000) from public donations.
Czech Republic - The Czech government will give aid worth CZK 200M (6.5M or
US$8.7M), in various forms. Public donations add more than CZK 230M, about
US$10M. The total makes the country a leading donor from the former Eastern bloc.
Denmark - The Danish government will give aid worth DKR 300 m (40.38M).
Danish PM Anders Fogh Rasmussen said that Denmark will increase this amount if it
is deemed necessary by the UN or emergency relief organisations.
Finland - The Finnish government has already delivered 4.5M to help the victims
of the tsunami, 5.5M will be given to helping aid organisations when requested. In
addition, 75,000 and a field hospital from the Finnish Red Cross and 25,000 from
Save the Children Finland will be sent.
France - The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on 29 December that 22.16M
is being pledged. 15M has been allocated to the UN's agencies and Red Cross,
while 1.56M should be used for immediate assistance. Another 5.6M part of this
sum is the first French participation to the European aid. 20M has been pledged on
30 December, mostly for clean water installations. 100,000 has been given by the
Ministry of Foreign Affairs on 27 December, and a plane with 100 rescue personnel
and 800 kg of medical supplies was sent.
Germany - The German government has initially allocated 20M (US$26M) for
immediate aid. Fast-response teams of the governmental technical relief
organization (THW) were sent to Thailand and Sri Lanka for rescue purposes on 28
December, together with drinking water purification equipment to be installed in
Galle (Sri Lanka). Additional water purification equipment was sent to the Maldives
and Indonesia on first days of this year. During the last weeks, several medical and
supporting units of the German armed forces have been sent to the region,
including a supporting frigate and medevac airlifts. Australian and German forces
have joined to build a large-scale field hospital at the scene. The German Chancellor
has proposed to release the most affected countries from their debts and to create
a scheme under which every EU nation "adopts" (where one has to note that the
German word for adoption or godparenthood has a less demeaning undertone than
the English one) one of the most severely affected countries and ensures longlasting aid. German charities (TV shows, private donations) top as of 5 January 2005
more than US$400M. Additionally, the German government will give 500M; in a
period of 3 to 5 years for long-term-help.
Greece - Greece allocated 0.3M (US$0.4M) to the Maldives and Sri Lanka, and two
planes will carry to those countries over 6 tonnes of humanitarian materials.

The Greek people raised over 15M (US$19.9M) through private donations made
during a TV charity marathon which included the auction of articles such as
commemorative items from the Athens Olympic Games and the Euro 2004 event, as
well as the fountain pen of the retreating President of the Hellenic Republic. The
Greek Government added 1M (US$1.3M) to the initial amount.
Hungary - Hungary sent a medical and rescue team of 10 as well as two
containers and ten pallets of emergency goods to Thailand and Sri Lanka.
Iceland - The Icelandic government has pledged ISK 5M (US$70,000) to the
Icelandic Red Cross which will "make sure the money gets into the right hands". A
little under 10 tonnes of Iceland Spring Water manufactured by lgerin Egill
Skallagrmsson were also sent. On 7 January the Icelandic government announced
that the total contribution to the earthquake disaster in Asia will be ISK 150M
(US$2.5M).[71]
Ireland - The Irish government has pledged 20M (US$26.12M) in response to the
earthquake-caused disaster in South Asia the majority of the money will be given
to Irish Aid organizations and the UN. An estimated 1M was raised also by pubs
and hotels in collections. Hundreds of other events took place throughout the
country. The various Irish charities raised over 75M from the public in response to
the disaster with the Irish Red Cross, Concern, and Goal all raising several million
each. The church based charity Trcaire alone raised 27M over just one weekend
Source: Irish Times 18/3/05'
Italy - The CEI (Italian Conference of Bishops) has already sent 100,000 euros (part
of a donation of US$1.7M from Caritas Internationalis) and is collecting national
donations. Private moneyraising efforts coordinated by newspapers and telephony
companies have collected more than 12.6M. The government has pledged 3M
(US$3.9M). As of 31 December five Italian flights have arrived Sri Lanka carrying an
advanced team of eight experts of the Italian Civil Protection Department with fifty
tonnes of equipment and goods (two field hospitals, twenty doctors and medical
staff, medical kits, field kitchens, water pumps, water storages, etc.)
Luxembourg - Luxembourg has announced it will donate at least 5M (US$6.5
million) as humanitarian aid.
Netherlands
- The Dutch government has reserved 227M (US$295M) for aid
to the affected area. A KDC-10 aircraft of the Dutch Airforce has flown several
missions to the affected areas, providing emergency supplies and a mobile hospital
unit. The Dutch Red Cross has dedicated 100,000 (US$0.13 million) for emergency
aid. Several private initiatives have started, which vary from calls to give money to
Samenwerkende Hulporganisaties (Giro 555) to collecting food and other supplies
for the affected areas. These initiatives have so far raised 160.5M (US$208.6M).
Norway - The Norwegian government has allocated NOK 1.1bn (US$180M) to be
distributed to the UN, the Red Cross and other aid organizations. The prime minister
has also pledged to provide more funds as needed in aid relief coordinated by the
United Nations.

Poland - The Polish government will donate PLN 1M (US$0.3M) to Polish aid nongovernmental organizations.
Portugal - The Portuguese government has approved 8M (US$10.9M) in aid to
victims of the tragedy. The country has already sent a plane with relief supplies to
Sri Lanka, and the Government has announced that a second plane with
humanitarian aid would be sent in next days, this time to Indonesia.
Romania - The Romanian government has approved 150,000 worth of medical
aid, tents and beds to South Asia. Additionally, 395,000 was raised by the public in
a telethon, bringing the total to 545,500
Russia - Two transport planes of the Russian Ministry for Emergency Situations
landed on Sri Lanka on 27 December carrying humanitarian aid. The planes were
carrying 110 tents and 2200 blankets with a total weight of 25 tonnes, Russia also
sent a rescue helicopter Bo-105, on board of which rescuers flew over the area of
the calamity and searched for and evacuated people. One more plane was sent on
30 December with tents, drinking water, water cleaning stations and other
humanitarian aid. The town of Beslan, scene of the 2004 school hostage crisis,
donated RUB 1M (US$36,000) from the fund set up after the mass hostage-taking.
On 11 January Russia sent field hospital equipment to Indonesia. Nearly 150 tons of
humanitarian aid were flown to Sri Lanka, Thailand and Indonesia from 27
December to 10 January. The humanitarian cargoes, part of them supplied by
Belarus, include tents, blankets, bedding, water purification installations and flour.
Spain
- The Spanish Cabinet has approved an aid package totalling 54M
(US$70.5M): 4M (US$5.2M) for immediate delivery, allocated to the relief
shipments conducted by the Spanish Agency of International Cooperation (AECI)
and NGOs; and 50M Development Aid Fund (FAD) loan, with favorable terms that
include long periods of repayment and low interest, aimed to support the
reconstruction efforts in all countries affected by the quake. Two cargo planes with
humanitarian aid took off on 28 December to Sri Lanka and another three, of the
AECI and the Red Cross, were dispatched on 31 December to Sumatra in Indonesia
and Thailand. The Government has also announced a debt moratorium for affected
countries.
Regional and local Governments Several Governments of the Autonomous
communities have approved their particular aid packages for urgent delivery:
Galicia (500,000), Madrid (300,000), Basque Country, (150,000), Andalusia
(150,000), Land of Valencia (150,000), Balearic Islands (150,000), Castile-La
Mancha (140,000), Catalonia (130,000) and La Rioja (66,000). The donations of
regional governments and local councils amount 2M.
Sweden - SEK 500M (US$75M) will be distributed through SIDA, the Swedish
International Development Agency. An extensive relief effort on behalf of the
government has been engaged including military personnel, forensic teams, search
and rescue teams as Sweden is probably the nation not directly affected by the
tsunami to be hardest hit. The Swedish public are also supplying NGOs with money

in a never before seen extent (about SEK 500M (or US$75M)), as well as materials
such as clothes and other equipment.
Switzerland
- The Swiss government has allocated CHF 27M (US$23.8M).
Four teams of the Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit (SDC) have been deployed in India,
Sri Lanka and Thailand. Another team of SHA and WHO doctors and logisticians is on
the Maldives. Operation SUMA: 3 "Super Puma" helicopters and 50 personnel were
sent by the Swiss army to Sumatra under the guidance of the UNHCR. Various relief
organisations contributed CHF 1M. The ongoing appeal for donations organised by
has resulted in CHF 160M being collected (as of 15 January 2005).
United Kingdom - The UK government announced an increase in its aid to 75M
on 10 January 2005, up from the 50M (US$96M) pledged on 30 December 2004,
and the initial pledge of 15M of aid in the early stages. The government has also
promised to match the public donation. As president of the G8, the UK government
and former Chancellor now Prime Minister Gordon Brown pushed for the suspension
of debt repayments to the industrialised nations.
The government has also sent the Royal Fleet Auxiliary ship RFA Diligence, the
Royal Navy frigate HMS Chatham with Lynx helicopters to move supplies, and a RAF
C-17 Globemaster III and a Tristar strategic airlifter.
By the end of 6 January 2005 the total from UK citizens stood at 100M (US$190M)
[109] who responded by donating at a rate of up to 1M per hour in the first week.
On 26 February 2005, it was announced that the Disasters Emergency Committee
(an umbrella organisation of 12 aid agencies) were closing their appeal after raising
a total of 300M in the two months since the disaster struck. Other British charities
raised a total of 50M.
British Red Cross - In Sri Lanka, the British Red Cross provided boats and nets to
fishing communities in Batticaloa as well as thousands of cash grants to help people
develop existing or new livelihoods, such as honey bee production, tree planting,
furniture manufacturing and bicycle repair workshops. Nearly 7,000 families
displaced by conflict in tsunami areas also received food and cash grants.

Vatican City - The Pope has authorised the immediate release of US$6M, which
are to be delivered to the International Red Cross, for use in the humanitarian relief
effort.
Israel - The Israeli government has sent supplies worth US$100,000 to each
affected country. In addition, an Israeli medical team was dispatched to Sri Lanka,
and 150 IDF doctors and rescue and relief teams were mobilised for the region with
82-tonnes of aid including 9 tonnes of medicine, nearly 4,000 L of mineral water, 12
tonnes of food, over 17 tonnes of baby food, 10,000 blankets, tents, sheeting, as
well as power generators.
Kuwait - The Kuwaiti government has donated KWD 3M (US$10M) as humanitarian
aid.

Morocco - The Moroccan Foreign Ministry has said that aid, consisting of medical
supply, vaccines and blankets, will be dispatched to Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India,
Thailand, Malaysia, and the Maldives.
Oman - Oman is sending relief goods worth US$3M for the victims of tsunami in Sri
Lanka, Maldives and Indonesia. Ali Ibrahim Shanoon Al-Raisi, executive director of
Oman Charitable Organization (OCC), the country's Red Crescent, said four
consignments carrying 300 tonnes of goods each have already been flown to Sri
Lanka and Maldives in the past three days.
Qatar - Qatar has offered US$25M, plus food, medical and logistical supplies.
Saudi Arabia
- Saudi Arabia has pledged a US$30M aid package consisting of
US$5M worth of food, tents and medicine, to be transported and distributed via the
Saudi Red Crescent and another US$5 million in funds which will be given to several
international aid groups such as the Red Cross and the UN High Commissioner for
Refugees.
Syria - A Syrian aeroplane loaded with 40 tonnes of medical and food aid took off
from Damascus Airport to Indonesia Thursday . The Syrian government newspaper
Al-Thawra quoted Syria's Health Minister, Maher al-Hussami, as saying that the load
included 20 tonnes of medicine, food and drinking water, as well as 880 blankets
Turkey - Turkey has donated TRY 28.9M[63] (US$37.6M) so far, which will be used
in reconstruction projects and be allocated to Sri Lanka, India, Indonesia, Thailand,
Malaysia and Maldives.
United Arab Emirates - US$20M and 30 tonnes of food and medicine in the care
of the Red Crescent, which is to deliver them to India, Indonesia and Sri Lanka.[118]
Brazil The Brazilian government was waiting on a UN decision for joint
humanitarian aid. In Rio de Janeiro, 70 tonnes donated in the city alone by locals,
were delivered on 2 January to the Consul of Sri Lanka. Many more tonnes were
handed to the local embassies and consulates of the countries affected.
Canada - The Canadian government has pledged, as of 10 January 2005, C$425M
(US$344.96M), an increase to the original figure of C$4M offered by the federal
government, which had previously been revised to 40M and then to 80M, as an
immediate contribution toward the aid effort and will also be providing blankets,
water purification devices, and generators through the Canadian International
Development Agency (CIDA).
The Canadian government will also match private donations received by 11 January
2005; according to CIDA, this represents an additional C$200M.
The Canadian federal government has also announced a debt moratorium for the
countries most severely affected by the tsunami. Also, Canada has announced it
will send its DART (Disaster Assistance Response Team) to Ampara in Sri Lanka.
In addition to the federal funds, the provincial government of British Columbia has
given C$8M (US$6.6M) to the Canadian Red Cross, the provincial governments of

Ontario and Alberta have each pledged C$5M (US$4.1M), the provincial
governments of Quebec, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador,
and Nova Scotia have each given C$100,000 (US$82,000), and the provincial
governments of the Northwest Territories and Prince Edward Island have pledged
C$25,000 and 20,000 respectively. The donations to tsunami victims have reached
more than C$230M.
Canada's Canadian Forces Disaster Assistance Response Team was sent to Sri
Lanka.
Chile - The Chilean government sent a group of four doctors, one engineer and one
architect to Indonesia on 1 January 2005 and will remain there for twenty days. In
addition, it has opened a special bank account for public donations.
Mexico - The Mexican federal government has pledged an aid package of
US$1,100,000 (MXN 12,000,000). Search teams, known as Topos, were dispatched
by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (SRE); these teams are experienced in earthquake
rescue operations and could be helpful in the rescue of trapped and buried victims.
The Mexican armed forces sent a hospital ship, other vessels, and helicopters. The
Mexican Red Cross also invited Mexican citizens to give aid which was distributed
amongst local agencies.
United States - The United States government has allocated US$400,000
(200,000, 300,000) to India, Indonesia, the Maldives and Sri Lanka. Officials are
currently working on a US$4M (2M) aid package to help the Red Cross. Also, the
United States has dispatched disaster teams to aid the nations affected. The United
States is also preparing an initial US$15 million (8M) aid package for affected
nations. An additional US$20M (11M) has been offered as an emergency line of
credit. On 31 December the aid was raised to US$350M (190M, 260M).
The United States has dispatched numerous C-5 Galaxy and C-17 Globemaster III
strategic airlifters and ten C-130 Hercules tactical airlifters containing disaster
supplies, nine P-3C Orion maritime patrol aircraft for search and rescue support, and
several teams from the Departments of State and Defense to coordinate additional
assistance.
A total of 48 Navy and Marine Corps helicopters are involved. Each ship can produce
around 90,000 US gallons (340,000 L) of fresh water per day. The US Navy has also
deployed the USNS Mercy, a 1,000-bed hospital ship (to be initially staffed to
support 250 patient beds). More than 12,600 Department of Defense personnel are
involved in the relief effort, Operation Unified Assistance.
As of 10 January 2005 US based relief groups and non-governmental organizations
reported having raised over US$515M. One charity said online pledges were arriving
at a rate of US$100,000 an hour.

Reference:

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