Blair ‘sorrow’ over Asian tsunami disaster
The Prime Minister Tony Blair has said that the world is “united in sorrow” for those affected by the tsunami disaster in South East Asia.
Mr Blair said his prayers were with those who had died, those who had lost loved ones and those whose lives had been destroyed.
And he pledged to “do all we can to help” those affected and ensure that aid and support is directed to where it is needed most and can be best used.
His comments come after the Government pledged £15 million for the international aid effort underway to help the victims of the tsunami disaster.
Up to 100,000 people, including 26 Britons are reported to have died in the disaster, and with thousands more missing the numbers are expected to rise.
Delivering his New Year message, Mr Blair said: “The scale of this disaster is becoming more apparent each day and with it the need both for urgent and immediate relief for those affected, and the co-ordination of the international response to the long-term devastation this natural disaster will have caused.
“The planning for this should start now but it will have to address problems whose impact will stretch over many months and even years ahead. Britain stands ready to help in this in any way we can, including through the G8 Presidency we assume in January.”
On Wednesday International Development Secretary Hilary Benn said the UK’s £15 million donation made it the second biggest bilateral donor after the US.
He said: “The Department for International Development will use this money to respond to appeals from international aid agencies. We have already now received a considerable number of project proposals from non governmental organisations (NGOs), the United Nations and the Red Cross Movement.”
The British effort so far has seen supplies of bottled water flown to the Maldives, and the Government has purchased 20,000 tarpaulins, 4,500 cooking sets, 40,000 sleeping mats and 5,000 water cans.
UK charities are also hard at work raising money for the victims of the disaster and have raised £15 million so far.
The Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) – an umbrella group including ActionAid, British Red Cross, Oxfam and World Vision – said £10 million was raised overnight following television and radio appeals.
Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Thailand and India have all suffered severe damage and heavy casualties as a result of the tsunami.
Rescue workers fear that disease could claim as many lives as the disaster itself and some areas remain cut off.
The tsunami struck on Boxing Day following a massive earthquake in South East Asia.
To pledge money to help the victims of the Asian tsunami call the Disasters Emergency Committee on 0870 60 60 900.
