As the death toll from the devastating tsunami in the Indian
Ocean countries continue to mount, relief officials are scrambling
to provide critical aid to millions of survivors who lack basic
necessities. As many as 3,000 Americans in the region remain
unaccounted for. Priorities include drinking
water, sanitation and shelter to the estimated 5 million people who have lost their homes
in South Asia (Sri Lanka, India, Bangladesh, Seychelles), Southeast
Asia (Indonesia, Thailand, Burma, Malaysia, Cambodia), and Africa
(Somalia, Kenya). A primary concern is the risk of diseases, such as
dysentery, as people huddle together in makeshift accommodation.
Despite good intentions, some donations of supplies have been
misguided and agencies have warned that unsolicited donations could
hamper their operations, clogging up supply lines in what is already
a large logistics challenge. More than $1 billion have been pledged
by countries from all over the globe.
The biggest problem is delivery. It takes more than a day by
road to reach affected areas in Aceh, Indonesia.
The saddest thing for the victims, most of whom are Muslims,
is that among contributing countries, only 2 (Kuwait at $2 million
and Iran at $628,000) are Muslim. Where are the Muslim OPEC
countries of Saudi Arabia, Algeria, Libya, United Arab Emirates,
Nigeria and Qatar? I guess they are the wrong Muslims, different
from those who exult and preach the destruction of non-Muslims or
infidels. Now they realize that they cannot count on their own in
times of need. Not the Saudis! Not the Arab Muslims of the Middle
East!
Our Christian faith teaches us to help those in need, thus
the spiritual and corporal works of mercy. Without regard for the
backgrounds of the recipients of our generosity as to their race,
religion, politics, etc., we help them because they are in need! Our
faith teaches us that God will not allow his creatures to exceed him
in generosity, and somehow this will come back to us in many untold
blessings.
In this worst of maritime catastrophes of the last 40 years,
AABR is working with Knightsbridge International which has a lot of experience in meeting
the consequences of disaster abroad. There have been so many floods
this year in areas such as Bangladesh that aid agencies had amassed
expertise in flood damage. AABR has worked with KI (and Feed the Hungry) in the past in providing goods and medical supplies
to those in need abroad. And here we are, in conjunction with CAPAC
(Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus), brought together again
by the unfortunate plight of others.
If you want to make a contribution to go directly to the
victims through AABR, you can do so by sending a check to AABR
Relief Fund, PO Box 2443, Germantown, MD 20875-2443. AABR,
in conjunction with CAPAC, is working with Knightsbridge
International in tsunami relief. If you want to do it by credit
card, call 301-601-9038. All
contributions, large and small are welcome! Thank you!
