AN APPEAL FROM CCA FOR TSUNAMI VICTIMS
Dear friends:
The death and destruction across the coastal areas of several south and southeast Asian nations caused by the deadly tsunami triggered by an earthquake off the Sumatra island in Indonesia on the morning after the Christmas Day in 2004 has plunged the entire region in shock and grief. More than 75,000 people have been killed and several thousands rendered homeless, become destitute and their properties destroyed in Indonesia, India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Malaysia and Maldives.
Indonesia, India and Sri Lanka are the worst hit. In Indonesia alone, which is close to the epicenter of 26 December earthquake that measured 9 on the Richter scale, more than 45, 000 people have been killed in one of the worst natural disasters in several decades. Thailand, Bangladesh and Maldives have also suffered a huge human tragedy.
The death toll keeps rising day by day and it could be several days or weeks before an exact figure of the casualty is available.
The tsunami-hit areas in Asia call for well-coordinated relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts. People belonging to all sections of society must join hands in responding to this challenging situation and contribute generously to lessen the pain and suffering.
The Christian Conference of Asia joins the nations and people all over the world in mourning the death of thousands of people. It expresses heartfelt condolences and solidarity to all those who have lost their near and dear ones, hard earned assets and valuable properties. The CCA also asks God's blessings, guidance and protection on all those who have become a victim to this fury of nature.
On behalf of the CCA, I would like to appeal to the churches, church-related organizations, faith-based NGOs and civil society as a whole in the region to come out and mitigate the pain and suffering of the people. I also urge them to relate to the communities in crisis due to this natural disaster and help rebuild their lives.
Efforts are needed to ensure that widespread diseases do not occur as an aftermath, and people are provided clothes, shelter, sanitation, medicine, food and clean drinking water. The extent of devastation is so vast that the respective governments' efforts must be supported by all sections of the society.
If you need any information about how to make your donations or how to participate in the effort to provide relief to the people, please contact the following:
Rev. Richard Daulay
General Secretary
Communion of Churches in Indonesia
Tel: +61-21-390-8120 / 315-0451 / 315-0455
Fax: +62-21-315-0457
Email: pgi@bit.net.id
Rev. Dr. Jayasiri Thidas Peiris
General Secretary
National Christian Council of Sri Lanka
Tel: +94-11-693-760 / 671-723 / 671-722 (GS) / 696-701 (AGS)
Fax: +94-11-671-721
Email: nccslsec@sltnet.lk
Rt Rev D K Sahu
General Secretary
National Council of Churches in India
Tel: +91-712-253-1312
Fax: +91-712-252-0554
Email: nccindia_ngp@sancharnet.in
Rev. Dr. Sint Kimhachandra
General Secretary
The Church of Christ in Thailand
Tel: +66-2-236-9400 / 236-2900 / 233-2750
Fax: +66-2-238-3520
Email: cctecume@loxinfo.co.th
Rev. Smith N. Za Thawng
General Secretary
Myanmar Council of Churches
Tel: +95-1-513-579 / 723-376
Fax: +95-1-296-848 / 526-982
Email: oikom@yangon.net.mm
Mr. Subodh Adhikary
General Secretary
Bangladesh National Council of Churches
Tel: +880-2-933-2869 / 418-996
Fax: +880-2-831-2996
Email: nccb@bangla.net
Rev. Dr. Hermen Shastri
General Secretary
Council of Churches of Malaysia
Tel: +60-3-7956-7092
Fax: +60-3-7956-0353
Email: cchurchm@tm.net.my
Thank you,
AHN Jae Woong
General Secretary
