162,000 Dead, Millions Homeless

As of this morning, the death toll in Asia (click here for details) has reached nearly 162,000, affecting at least 12 countries. Worst hit were Indonesia and Sri Lanka, whose dead or missing have accounted for nearly 89% of the total.
Tens of thousands remain unaccounted for and hundreds of foreign tourists are still missing. Some (including the World Health Organization) have already suggested that diseases resulting from the massive flooding could double the number killed by the December 26 earthquake. At least 5 million more have been left homeless.

Several of the world's richest nations (with Canada taking the lead) have announced that they will indefinitely suspend all debt for countries affected by the tsunamis. Additionally, "a spokesman said the [Canadian] government will match as much as is donated by individual Canadians up to Jan. 11", reports the Globe and Mail.

Billions of dollars in aid have already been pledged by countries around the world.

If you would like to help, contact any of the following organizations:

Canadian Red Cross: 1-800-418-1111; on-line at http://www.redcross.ca

Unicef Canada: 1-877-955-3111; on-line at http://www.unicef.ca

World Vision: 1-800-268-5528; on-line at http://www.worldvision.ca

The Canadian Catholic Organization for Development and Peace: 1-888-664-3387; on-line at http://www.devp.org

The High Commission of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka: 1-613-233-8449 or on-line at http://www.srilankahcottawa.org

The Mennonite Central Committee: 1-888-622-6337 or on-line at http://www.mcc.org/respond/rapid_respond/asiaearthquake/index.html

Or visit:

The American Red Cross

AmeriCare

Oxfam

Network for Good

CARE

ADRA International

If you are concerned about whether your donations will be used appropriately, read this article at the Globe and Mail.