| No.39/January 2005
THE INDIAN OCEAN TSUNAMI AFTERMATH On 26 December 2004 , the world's largest earthquake in 40 years at 9.0 on the Richter Scale occurred underwater off the northern tip of Sumatra . The earthquake triggered walls of destruction up to 30 metres high striking 13 countries across the Indian Ocean without warning, engulfing whole villages, devastating the coastal lands, washing away livelihoods, leaving death and destruction in its wake. The tsunami left as sudden as it came The horrifying scenes that flashed across TV screens around the world brought people together as ONE - in shock, in numbness, in disbelief, in sadness to witness the devastation that Sunday morning as people relaxed on the beaches in resorts, as the devout prayed in houses of worship, as people went about their livelihoods in the sea or on the coast. And now days after the giant waves of destruction, the sea is returning the bodies of children, women, the elderly and even the able-bodied, that it had taken on 26 Dece mber 2004 . The estimated death toll now is over 150,000 - and still rising, and many thousands still missing. Sadly, the final toll may never be known!
The YMCAs in some of the worst hit countries have provided information of relief efforts to the World Alliance and the Asia and pacific Alliance of YMCAs. Given the immensity of the catastrophe, the World Alliance and the Asia and Pacific Alliance have been working together closely to monitor and address urgent emergency relief needs. Through the network of YMCAs in Sri Lanka , Indonesia and India , staff and volunteers there were able to mobilise emergency relief to survivors within hours of the devastating events of December 26. YMCA staff and volunteers in towns along coastlines in the path of the tsunamis were able to communicate the extent of the devastation and need to colleagues at YMCA country and regional headquarters. This communication initiated a worldwide response to support the efforts of YMCA members who were called into service at the front lines of this horrific disaster. To date, an amount of more than US$100,000 has been received/pledged, and more YMCAs are responding throughout the YMCA family. Other support of relief and support teams are in Sri Lanka assisting in assessing needs and providing relief support. Sadly, amidst the encouraging news of effective help to many victims also came news of a number of YMCA leaders, members and families who died as a result of the tidal waves. YMCAs in Sri Lanka , India and Indonesia are reporting on their activities. The Medan YMCA in Indonesia has distributed blankets and food to victims and is making plans to participate in the provision of medicines, clothing and daily necessities in the Aceh Province and Nias Island . In India , YMCAs in Kulachel, Nagapattinnam, Kollam and Machilipatnam have been designated centres for relief work. There the government is providing food at relief camps so the YMCA is trying to supply other essentials such as clothing, medicines, sleeping mattresses and blankets, etc. In Sri Lanka the National Office in Colombo is coordinating extensive relief efforts to communities in the south (Negombo, Dehiwela, Moratuwa and Galle ) and east (Ampara, Kalmunai, Kallar and Batticaloa) of the country, and to the north (Point Pedro, Kyts, Navaly, Mullaitivu, Trincomalee) The YMCA is using its organising capacities and network of community based volunteers to respond to the emergencies and assist in the overall relief efforts. At the same time the National YMCA leaders, the Asia and Pacific Alliance and the World Alliance have mapped out a 3-phase emergency relief, restoration and rehabilitation/reconstruction plan to address the short, medium and long-term needs to help rebuild communities that have been so devastated by the tsunamis. We share below information from the YMCAs in Sri Lanka , India and Indonesia :
Of 38 local YMCAs in Sri Lanka , 20 are located in coastal areas. YMCA buildings and/or surrounding communities have been badly affected by the tsunami. Damages in some areas have yet to be ascertained due to telecommunication breakdown. Up to now, little information has been received from the Komari YMCA. . Responses: 27 - 31 December 2004A team of volunteers from unaffected areas was immediately organised by the National Council to go into the tsunami-hit areas to carry out immediate assessments and provide coordination to emergency relief actions. Youths were mobilised to carry out urgent tasks such as moving and clearing the debris. The local YMCAs' leadership has gathered and formed local YMCA committees to identify the needs of each YMCA and the surrounding community. The National Council of YMCAs of Sri Lanka, National Council of YWCAs of Sri Lanka, and Y`s Men Club of Sri Lanka have formed a task committee to coordinate immediate and intermediate assistance in relief and rehabilitation efforts. The task committee are working closely with the National Christian Council of Sri Lanka , and the Anglican and Methodist Churches of Sri Lanka , and with the local government officials, NGOs and Churches to provide immediate emergency relief. As the first step the National YMCA provided food, water, medicine, and clothes to those in need in the affected parts. With the support from the international YMCA, Rs. 1,000,000 worth of dry rations, infant milk powder, clothing, feeding bottles etc, have been provided to the suffering communities. Intermediate relief work to be undertaken will include assisting local YMCAs to provide recreational programmes, grief counseling, restoration of livelihoods or any other programmes required. Long Term Care -- Rehabilitation PlansThe National Council of the YMCAs of Sri Lanka is in the process of developing a rehabilitation plan for local YMCAs and the surrounding communities to follow after the emergency relief period that should be over soon. A Quick Look at the Affected Areas and YMCAS
General Situation:
YMCA Actions:
Contacts and reports from Indonesia were slow in coming - the nearest YMCA in Medan is a 12-hour drive from Banda Aceh. We were able to contact with the YMCA in Medan and the Indonesian YMCA Vice President on 29 December. On 28 December , 20 volunteers were sent to assist in the evacuation work in Banda Aceh and 20 to Nias Island on the west coast (of Aceh) on 30 December . On 4 January , a team of 15 volunteers went to Lhokseumawe and another team to Uleuleu for evacuation and relief work. Plans have been made for further teams to visit Banda Aceh and Nias. From reports and observations of the returning volunteers, there is indeed great need for daily essentials and in particular what has been largely "missed" by aid agencies - undergarments, footwear, milk powder and even in some cases temporary shelter (tents). Further plans have been submitted for supply of medication and blankets, clothing and food. (Reported by Poltak Galingging, Medan YMCA) In the meantime, from immediate funds from an individual Indonesian contact in Medan (of the CEO of Metropolitan YMCA of Singapore) and the Metropolitan YMCA of Singapore, blankets and food was provided to survivors in elected sites.
Dr. Bart Shaha, the Secretary General of the World Alliance, Rev. Samuel D. Stephens, President of the Asia and Pacific Alliance and its General Secretary will be in Colombo , Sri Lanka and Madras , India to meet and consult with leaders of the respective YMCA movements on long-term recovery and rehabilitation plans. I will also be in Medan with the YMCA leaders there for a similar purpose, prior to the solidarity and planning visits to Sri Lanka and India . We will share the coordinated plans that will emerge from these meetings for your continued support to raise a targeted US$400,000 or more to support the three phases of the YMCA action in response to rebuilding communities in Indonesia , India and Sri Lanka .
The Asia and Pacific Alliance of YMCAs (APAY) and World Alliance of YMCAs issued a joint appeal and as of today almost USD 100,000 have been pledged by the YMCA family in Asia and Pacific and around the world to support the relief and rehabilitation work. There will be 3 phases of YMCA action:
In collaboration with the World Alliance and with the most affected countries, plans will be made for efforts in recovery, reconstruction and rehabilitation. The funds generated through this joint appeal will go to the YMCAs in Sri Lanka , India ( Madras region) and Indonesia ( Medan ) for rehabilitation work with local communities. Already USD 38,250 has already been sent by APAY and the World Alliance, in cooperation with some YMCAs, for emergency relief in Sri Lanka , and USD 5,100 to Indonesia YMCA. Anyone wishing to make a financial contribution can send a cheque or make a bank transfer to the Asia and Pacific Alliance or contact your National YMCA Movement. You can make the contribution in US dollars. Please mark your payment " Asia Tsunami Fund." Telegraphic Transfers should be made to the following account and the Response Form sent to us for our information and action: A/C No. 015-515-20-05004-5
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Expressions of solidarity |
We very much appreciate the messages of solidarity that we have received from YMCAs and Y's Men from different parts of the region and other parts of the world. We know that many of you have also sent similar expressions to the YMCAs in the affected countries.
In case you have not and wish to, you may send messages of solidarity directly to the YMCAs concerned:
Sri Lanka , Mr Chrisantha Hettiaratchi, National General Secretary, srilankaymca@eureka.lk
India , Mr. T. Thomas, National General Secretary, ncymca@nda.vsnl.net.in
Indonesia , Ms. Judith Lim, National General Secretary, ymca.indonesia@telkom.net
Thailand , Mr. Rachan Maneekarn, National General Secretary, yintercm@ymcachiangmai.org
Myanmar , Mr. Kyi Maung Aye, National General Secretary, myaymca@mptmail.net.mm
Malaysia , Mr. Liew Mun Khai, National General Secretary, liewmk@amfb.ambg.com.my
THANKS AND GRATITUDE |
The World Alliance and the Asia and Pacific Alliance of YMCAs thank the following YMCAs for their immediate and generous response to our Joint Appeal: Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Canada, Chinese YMCA of Hong Kong, Ecuador, Finland, France, Germany, Honduras, Japan, Korea, Metropolitan YMCA of Singapore, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, Taipei -Taiwan, Taiwan, USA, YMCA of Hong Kong, YMCA Greater Toronto, Canada, YMCA of Singapore Y Care, and Asia Area Y's Men International, Y's Men International, . We are sure many more YMCAs will respond in the days to come as they mobilise their membership and organise campaigns to support the efforts of the YMCAs in the countries most affected by the tsunami. |
CONCLUDING REMARKS |
As we move into the second week of the aftermath of the quake and tsunamis we can only pray and hope that we will all move forward with the kind of reflection that will help us to seek and see the good (don't mean to be insensitive) that can emerge from this disaster that has not failed to somehow touch lives throughout the world.
The outpouring of human compassion and unity of the human race fostered by this tragic phenomenon, we pray will continue to urge us to greater peaceful cooperation for the common good of all. We pray these tragic days will lead to truly unite humankind, and that love, justice and peace will continue to reign supreme in our lives.
The Lord bless and keep us all......
Yip Kok Choong
General Secretary
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Leaders' Roundtable: Achieving Spirituality of Transformation New Officers Unanimously Elected On our way to the 16th General Assembly |