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