The South Asian tsunami is considered the largest natural disaster in modern history. LCIF and Lions are responding accordingly. I am pleased to tell you that LCIF is initially committing US$5 million to assist in the recovery. The funds will enable Lions in South Asia to provide for long-term reconstruction by building homes, school and child welfare centers for orphans.
The US$5 million commitment is a matching donation from LCIF. Half of the US$5 million will come from LCIF reserves, and the other half from the expected US2.5 million in donations to LCIF for tsunami relief from individuals, clubs and districts worldwide.
The second piece of important news is that until March 31 donations to LCIF for tsunami relief are eligible for Melvin Jones Fellowship recognition. This covers donations for tsunami relief from Dec. 26, 2004, to March 31, 2005. See below for more information.
Lions in South Asia continue their vital relief operations. Lions there already have spent an estimated $820,000 on relief, including $220,000 in Emergency grants sent to them by LCIF. Lions in Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Thailand, India and Malaysia are providing tsunami victims with essential supplies such as food, water and medicine. Lions in Sri Lanka in District 306C, for example, sent 75 lorry loads of relief materials to devastated towns and villages. In Indonesia, Lions were the first social organization to coordinate aid in Banda Aceh. Despite having lost members of their own families, Lions spent untold hours dispensing supplies. Even as they distributed crucial supplies, Lions began planning long-term reconstruction of communities. Lions have been meeting with government officials and other relief organizations to develop comprehensive but entirely realistic and practical recovery initiatives. You can be assured that Lions, who are key civic, business and community leaders themselves, are making certain that their service and their funds are applied expeditiously and efficiently.
LCIF is mobilizing tremendous financial support for recovery for South Asia. To date, LCIF has received more than US$630,000 in donations from Lions. This includes US$200,00 from the Lions of Korea and US$120,000 from the Lions of Sweden. The Lions of Japan are expected to make a major donation and the Lions of Ireland expect to contribute US$460,000.
These donations will enable LCIF to partner with local Lions on rebuilding communities. The real impact of LCIF's assistance to tsunami victims in South Asia will be fully realized in the next several years as LCIF partners with Lions to rebuild communities. This long-term approach plays to the strength of LCIF and Lions, who belong to their communities, understand local needs and know how to get things done.
The shock and horror of the tsunami disaster will remain with us for a very, very long time. But LCIF and Lions are doing all they can to help victims and get communities back on their feet. I humbly thank you for your service and compassion.
Sincerely,
The tsunami disaster in South Asia has prompted a tremendous outpouring of support from Lions around the world, and Lions in the affected countries are working day and night to bring life-saving supplies to victims. Thanks to Lions, lives are being saved and communities will be rebuilt.
LCIF has awarded US$470,000 in grants to Lions in India, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Malaysia. This includes US$220,000 in emergency grants for Lions to secure and deliver food, water and blankets and a US$250,000 major catastrophe grant for longer-term relief.
Following is a more complete account of the relief efforts of LCIF and Lions. You will be proud to learn of how important Lions have been and perhaps be even more motivated to offer your support. On behalf of Lions of South Asia, I humbly thank you for your interest and compassion.
Sincerely,
Supported by LCIF, several thousand local Lions are now providing immediate relief aid such as food, water and clothing from the west coast of India to Thailand and south to Indonesia. Local Lions in hundreds of places are at the scenes of the disaster, helping to organize relief and ensuring that people get vital relief supplies. Lions from nearby nations also have sent volunteer workers. The Taiwan Lions, for example, sent a medical team to Sri Lanka. The service of Lions is enabling communities to take care of their children, elderly, those with disabilities and other especially vulnerable people.
a.. In Sri Lanka, Lions are working 16-hour days in organizing relief aid and are a key partner of the government's relief agency and of the country's president. Enhancing their ability to assist in the relief, Lions hold key positions in the community. The former president is a Lion, as is the current Minister of Housing. District 306-B sent 60 truckloads of food and supplies to several relocation camps. Lions receive police escorts for the deliveries. District 306-A is organizing the installation of tents at new relocation camps in southern Sri Lanka at the government's request.
b.. In Indonesia, Lions are contributing greatly to relief efforts in some of the hardest hit areas. Thirty clubs near Medan provide logistical support for aid shipments to Bandh Acheh and send out four trucks of materials daily. They also are providing shelter, food, and clothing to refugees who have entered Medan. Lion-doctors from Jakarta and Medan are providing medical treatment. Lions also are making preliminary plans to support the educational needs of orphans.
c.. In India, 20 Lions' ambulances and a team of 80 Lions volunteer medical doctors are providing first aid near Chennai. Nearly 70 clubs fanned out in the region from Parassalla to Haripad to distribute food and clothes at the relief camps. Lion-doctors conducted free treatment at relief centers.
d.. In Thailand, Lions in Bangkok have sent water tanks and trucks loaded with supplies to Phuket. Lions are working with government officials and relief agencies to provide for basic needs at relocation camps.
LCIF's grants for the tsunami disaster, made possible, of course, by prior donations by Lions, now total US$470,000 and will climb much higher as needs are continually assessed and requests for assistance are made. Additionally, Lions throughout the world are making pledges of support, including US$120,000 from the Lions of Sweden and US$200,000 from the Lions of Korea.
Hundreds of clubs and individuals also have sent funds to LCIF. The Vancouver Metropolitan Lions Club in Canada, for example, sent LCIF a check for US$6,600. Club President Raymond Wong told LCIF, "Everyday we saw on the news that the amount of casualties are increasing by the thousands. We share the same view of most Lions that we have to do something to support the unfortunate people who have to deal with this great tragedy. We hope this small token of donations can bring some immediate help to the people in those regions. In the meantime, I have taken the initiative to ask the other clubs in our district to support this great cause."
LCIF provides immediate relief and long-term reconstruction after a disaster. LCIF is not only helping people stay alive after the tsunami but it also will rebuild communities for years to come. The real impact of LCIF's assistance to South Asia will be fully realized in the next several years as LCIF partners with Lions to rebuild homes, schools and community centers. This long-term approach plays to the strength of LCIF and Lions, who belong to their communities, understand local needs and know how to get things done.
LCIF's prior success with disaster relief in South Asia bodes well for its initiatives in response to the tsunami. LCIF has recently assisted with aid and reconstruction in the aftermath of two major natural disasters in India. In 2001, US$2.5 million was mobilized to assist communities rebuild after the Gujarat earthquake. The funds built 734 homes for people displaced by the earthquake, 20 primary schools, and a general hospital. In 2000, LCIF assisted with almost US$500,000 to assist rebuild areas affected by the Orissa cyclone. A total of 360 homes, nine community centers, five schools, and two orphanages were constructed.
LCIF established the South Asia Tsunami Disaster Relief Fund (#5105) for Lions, clubs, districts and others to assist relief efforts by Lions. The funds are supporting immediate needs such as food and water and will support long-term reconstruction needs.
U.S. donors can:
· Mail a check to LCIF. Make the check payable to LCIF and write "tsunami relief" in the memo field. Send the check to LCIF, 300 W. 22nd St., Oak Brook, IL 60523, USA, Attn.: Donor Services.
· Make a credit card donation with a MasterCard, Visa or American Express by calling LCIF at 630-571-5466, ext. 517 or 554. Call between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. CST.
Donors outside the United States can:
a.. Make a credit card donation with a MasterCard, Visa or American Express by faxing to LCIF the name of your credit card, credit card number, expiration date and amount of donation. LCIF's fax number is 630-571-5735.
b.. Mail LCIF a U.S. dollar check drawn on a U.S. financial institution. Make the check payable to LCIF and write "tsunami relief" in the memo field. Send the check to LCIF, 300 W. 22nd St., Oak Brook, IL 60523, USA, Attn.: Donor Services.
c.. Make a direct deposit of local currency into an existing LCI account. Specify "LCIF tsunami relief" on the deposit slip and send a copy to LCIF via fax (630-571-5735).
d.. Do a direct wire transfer. For assistance with this option or the other donation options, contact Gerry Bara of LCIF Donor Services at gbara@lionsclubs.org or by phone at 630-571-5466, ext. 581.
Since this is a donation to a specific initiative, it is not eligible for Melvin Jones Fellowship recognition. The main purpose of the MJF program is to encourage and recognize Lions who donate unrestricted funds to LCIF to support all of the foundation's grant program and to provide for our annual funding. Allowing MJF recognition for donations to a specific disaster could cause a sharp drop in unrestricted donations and impact LCIF's ability to fund its many programs.
However, donations for tsunami relief are counted toward an individual's and a club's cumulative giving totals to LCIF, which help qualify an individual and club for various recognition programs. Also, the names of individuals and clubs that make significant donations will be posted on a new Web site LCIF is creating on the disaster. All donors will be recognized in special reports in the near future,
Note that LCIF is unable to accept offers of goods such as blankets, clothing or food. It is not logistically feasible for LCIF to process and transport such donations.
Lions who donate to other relief agencies or Lions districts that donate directly to another district affected by the tsunami are to be commended for their generosity. But donating to LCIF carries several important advantages.
a.. Donations to LCIF are a highly efficient and effective way to help people impacted by the tsunamis. Every donated dollar goes directly to relief efforts; LCIF's administrative costs are paid for by interests on investments.
b.. The donations empower local Lions who are familiar with the needs of their community to meet the most critical needs of their community. There are 73,000 Lions on the ground in the hardest hit regions of India, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Indonesia who are able to come to the aid of those most in need. LCIF has a long history of disaster relief and filling in the gaps not covered by other relief agencies.
c.. LCIF's grants are often matched by grants from other agencies. Thus donations made to LCIF are eventually leveraged by other grants, maximizing the power and reach of a single donation.
d.. LCIF takes a comprehensive, coordinated approach to disaster recovery, instead of piecemeal solutions. LCIF strategically plans long-term recovery efforts by working with committees of leading Lions and by working with government officials and other non-governmental organizations. Quite frequently, the government officials and non-profit leaders are Lions themselves, immeasurably increasing LCIF's ability to move projects forward to a speedy completion. In Sri Lanka, for example, the Minister of Housing is a Lion, and the Lions there are actually working in coordination with the government to direct other aid agencies.
Accountability
As a rule, LCIF does not send funding to local Lions districts without knowing precise needs and without assurance that the local Lions are avoiding duplication of efforts. Donors can rest assured also knowing there is strict oversight of grants:
· All Emergency Grants are awarded solely on the basis of a detailed application from the affected district. A specific action plan must be presented and must include which villages and how many people will be helped and what relief items will be purchased.
· Districts provide final reports that must include documentation, receipts and bank account statements for the funds disbursed, along with photos of the relief effort and other details. In South Asia, those final reports are audited and double-checked by LCIF's office in Bombay.
· LCIF has been awarding Emergency Grants in these countries for 30 years and has vast experience in ensuring proper coordination and accountability.
· The local Lions who are spending the Emergency Grants also use their own funds and in many instances spend double or triple the amount that LCIF awarded them, which speaks to the care in which Lions use LCIF funds.
LCIF will continue to keep you updated through these bulletins. Also, in the near future, LCIF will have a new Web site containing the latest information on the tsunami disaster. Its address will be www.lions-tsunami.org.
More funds will be awarded by LICF in the coming days as needs are assessed. Your generosity is deeply appreciated and your continued support is desperately needed.
Dear Fellow Lions,
It was with great shock, disbelief and immense sadness that the people of the world have witnessed the horrific earthquake and tsunami disaster that has impacted millions across South Asia. Lions around the world have been contacting me to learn of LCIF's relief aid provided thus far, and also how they can support Lions in the region respond to this great tragedy.
I am pleased to report that nearly US$200,000 in emergency grant funding has been disbursed and a special designated fund established for Lions and others who want to help out. Attached is a first bulletin with an update of details of LCIF's relief efforts for this catastrophe.
On behalf of Lions of South Asia, I sincerely thank you for your interest, concern and compassion.
Sincerely,
In the last 72 hours, $170,000 in LCIF Emergency Grant funds have been dispatched to Lions districts in India, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Indonesia to help the Lions provide food, blankets, water and other relief items.
There are 73,000 Lions in the hardest hit regions of India, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Indonesia on the spot, coming to the aid of those in need. They are working in the affected communities, as well as coordinating with the government at national levels. In Sri Lanka, the Lions have formed a joint commission with the government to expand the country's response in dealing with the critical issues of shelter, water supplies and sanitation. In India, the hardest hit districts in and around Chennai have also come together to coordinate the expenditure of US$50,000 in LCIF funding awarded for districts that cover the coastline from Tamil Nadu north to Orissa.
For Lions wishing to help support these efforts, LCIF has created a special designated fund, the "South Asia Tsunami Disaster 2004 Fund," to receive donations that will be forwarded on to the affected areas. This fund will complement funds already awarded. Funds will be used to support both immediate and long-term needs of the victims. Already Lions around the world are making pledges of support, including US$120,000 from the Lions of Sweden and US$200,000 from the Lions of Korea.
Lions and others interested in supporting this special fund can do so by making a donation to LCIF. In North America, checks can be sent to LCIF. In other countries, funds can be sent directly to the LCI or LCIF accounts. In both cases, a cover note or memo on the check/deposit slip should indicate that the donation is for the "South Asia Tsunami Disaster 2004 Fund." You may also contact your district's LCIF chairperson for more details on making donations to LCIF. If you have any questions, please contact lcif@lionsclubs.org.
LCIF will continue to keep you updated through these bulletins. More funds will be awarded by LICF in the coming days as needs are assessed. Your support is needed to help Lions of the world respond to what is the world's largest catastrophe in modern history.
Shrewsbury Lions Club has a project in Sri Lanka which they support in liaison with the local Batticaloa Lions Club. Lion Trevor Thelvarajah, the co-ordinator in Shrewsbury Lions Club has managed to make contact with the orphanage which they support, but sadly at the moment has not been able to make contact with Batticaloa Lions.
At the end of my message is a copy of an e-mail which he has received describing the devastation, and loss of life in the area. I copy it for you to do as you wish, read or delete. Please understand that this is not a request for financial support from you, merely the copy of an e-mail received from a fellow Lion to give you first hand information of the situation in Sri Lanka.
I am sorry I could not write to you earlier due to doing things in Batticaloa and Trincomalee. Besides, the power lines and the telephone lines were broken down and we could not communicate with each other. I am glad Internet services have resumed today.
The first wave came just after 9.30 A M on Sunday 26th December. Fortunately it was a day time. Within 45 minutes, four times, the waves came, in some areas 30 to 40 feet high. Almost all the villages in the Northern and Eastern costal belt have been washed away or destroyed. Many thousands of people are wounded, missing or dead. The real numbers are not known yet. The official figures announced this morning is 27 000, reported to be dead. I am sure it will be more than 40 000. In Batticaloa and Ampara alone more than 10 000 people are dead. Many thousands of bodies are under the rubble or trapped under destroyed buildings, buried under the sand or washed away in to the ocean.
Whole of Batticaloa is in a funeral mode. Every family either has lost their home or lost someone from their family.
The immediate needs are food, clothing, shelter, and basic cooking utensils. We are mobilizing all our resources; institutions, staff and doing the best possible.
Grace care centre in Trincomalee is affected very badly. Fortunately none of our staff and children who were there is affected. But many children went home for a week during Christmas. We are yet to know about their situation. All our furniture, beds mattress, linens and cloths are taken away by the water. Buildings are partly damaged. Three parish members who returned from the worship service are reported washed away by the water including two children.
Rallodai Church and the Day care center building on Vaharai road in Batticaloa are completely destroyed. All the villagers are in Valaichchernai in different camps.
Hermans girls home in Periyaneelavanai has completely washed away. Even the coconut plants and Mango trees are up rooted. The trees are closer to the main road. We could see the ocean from the road.
All the children were worshiping in the Church during the time of incident. Boys home Samuel and the Church buildings are partly damaged. People who were inside the Church were safe. 6 worshipers with Pastor Selvantha's wife and 11 months old son were washed away and died. We couldn't recover the bodies. Bodies are buried under the sand. We are still searching for the bodies.
There is 6 feet of sand at Hermans girls home and boys home Samuel.
We are recovering the bodies with the help of St.John's VTC students and burying in the places where they are, as most of the bodies are decomposed.
We are distributing food and clothes and utensils to the families in unreachable pockets. Many villages are still not reachable. No roads and water is still running across.
Clean water is also a major need. We are trying to clean a few water wells and chlorinate them.
Please do pray for us.
At this time of Crisis every one is together. Many people are giving their support.
We are grateful to our friends and partners for their support and concern.
We are grateful to God for His Mercies. It could have been worse.
I will keep you informed and update you on our operations.
Please do uphold all the families affected in your prayers. And also pray for us for our operations.
Thanks.
As several have mentioned they did not receive my earlier report on the situation in Sri Lanka, I also quote that message.
It seems that many villages were completely destroyed in the Eastern Province. The highway connecting most parts has become impassable as the water has also reached that. I have heard that in one center in Trincomalee the children had been loaded into a bus just before the waves damaged some of the structures there. The refugee camp next door has suffered great damage and many of the people there have been taken by the sea. I heard that none of the fishermen who were on the sea survived. Often, these fishermen do not know how to swim.
Apparently, many of the children from the homes were on leave for the holidays and were with relatives. It is as of yet unknown how many of the children have survived. Those children that were in the homes at the time of the tidal waves have all survived.
At this time also an appeal goes out for financial help. Access to the area is severely limited. All activities are severely hampered also by the devastation and also some by the bad weather. It is not possible to travel into the affected areas, but we are able to send funds to help the emergency needs. We have been to a village of the indigenous Veddahs in the coastal regions and have brought them emergency supplies. Their village was completely erased, but the people had left before the destruction came. None of our structures in that area were found.
Still many bodies are strewn about in trees, in destroyed buildings, in the water, everywhere. They are starting to decompose and there is actual danger of an outbreak of diseases as a result. Many areas are normally already inaccessible and now especially the access is severely hampered. Supplies of drinking water have been contaminated by the sea water and latrines. Supplies of food are being hampered by inaccessible roads. Many people are without homes and many have lost their complete families. The disaster is of enormous magnitude. Still communication is severely hampered and only those with mobile phones can at times be reached, though this is also severely overstressed.
At this point estimates in the Eastern province alone are that around thirty thousand people are dead or missing. The missing people are assumed dead as most do not know how to swim. The financial damage is enormous as well, as none of the people were insured, their lifes have been destroyed and many have lost their families. I am sure that with combined help we can bring some relief into the situation and I make therefore an appeal to you.
Please also continue to pray for these poor people as they wander about unknowingly what to do next with their life. They will need to find some kind of direction in their lifes now that so many have lost all that is dear and near to them.
Yours,
I would like to inform you about what is currently known about the situation in Sri Lanka. As far as I am aware of at this point, Sri Lanka was hit with the full force of the tsunami from a 8.9 richter earthquake off Indonesia. Twenty foot high waves swept away whole villages.
I have been in contact with Rev. Jeyanesan, area minister of the Eastern Province for the JDCSI. The contact was very brief and communication was very difficult. He said that in Batticaloa only there were at least five thousand dead people and this number can rise. He was just coming back from visiting one of the orphanages. He told me that the tsunami hit this orphanage so hard that the whole orphanage was destroyed completely. The pastor's wife for the orphanage and their baby were swept away as well. They are still missing. She had been standing outside at the time the wave struck. The children were in church at that time and were safe. Rev. Jeyanesan told me through another pastor by email that all the children are safe.
The situation in the other centers is as of yet not very clear, but one friend in Colombo told me that the other centers are probably safe.
Your prayers are in need at this time. The aftermath of such a disaster often means many broken families and great distress for all people in the area. Please keep them in your prayers.