BURBANK, California (December 28, 2004) – The death toll from the
devastating tsunamis in Asia has reached 44,000, and could dramatically
increase in the coming days. Islamic Relief Worldwide has increased its
emergency appeal to $5 million in order to meet the needs of the victims.
According to the World Health Organization, diseases could double the natural
disaster’s death count before the situation can be stabilized. The United
Nations reported that the disaster would require the biggest relief effort the
world has ever seen.
Islamic Relief Worldwide Launches $5 Million Appeal
Our representative in Sri Lanka is performing a needs assessment. An
Emergency Response Team will be operational in Sri Lanka within the next few
days. An assessment team from our Indonesia office has arrived in Medan
(155 miles from Banda Aceh) where all relief efforts are being coordinated.
The team will be leaving for Banda Aceh tomorrow morning. Our partners in
India have arrived in Chennai and are performing a needs assessment.
The victims of the disaster are in need of medical supplies, tents, sanitation
facilities, and other emergency relief supplies. Islamic Relief USA will continue
to send updates as additional information becomes available.
NOTE TO EDITOR:
PLEASE INCLUDE ISLAMIC RELIEF USA IN THE “WAYS TO HELP” SECTION OF
YOUR STORY
Islamic Relief USA is accepting donations on the internet, via telephone, and
postal mail.
To donate, visit www.irw.org/asiaquake or call toll free at (888) 479-4968.
Our mailing address:
Islamic Relief USA
1919 W. Magnolia Blvd.
Burbank, CA 91506