wfn.org | [IOCC] International Orthodox Christian Charities Joins

[Worldwide Faith News <wfn@igc.org>]

BALTIMORE, MD [IOCC Communications / December 27, 2004] - International 
Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC) is joining with its partner Church 
World Service to respond immediately to the massive earthquake disaster 
throughout Southern Asia. Together with CWS, IOCC is developing a regional 
response to the crisis, focusing initially on hardest-hit areas in Sri 
Lanka, India, Indonesia, and elsewhere, and CWS assessment and relief teams 
are on their way to the region now.

The fourth largest earthquake in recorded history has wreaked major 
destruction across approximately a dozen countries in Southern Asia. The 
initial quake, which struck 100 miles off the coast of Indonesia's Sumatra 
Island at around 7 a.m. Sunday, measured 9.0 in magnitude on the Richter 
scale and was part of a powerful series of earthquakes. The undersea quakes 
triggered enormous tidal waves which swept across the Indian Ocean, 
striking coastal regions of Sri Lanka, India, Indonesia, Thailand, 
Bangladesh, Burma and Malaysia, and elsewhere. As of 8 am eastern time on 
December 27, the death toll across the region was estimated at 21,000 and 
rising.

The joint relief effort may include an airlift of emergency relief 
supplies, including hygiene and emergency shelter supplies, from facilities 
in the US. IOCC has established a goal of $100,000 for the initial phase of 
its relief efforts. This appeal will be updated as response and recovery 
actions continue and expand in the coming days.

Donations for IOCC's "Asia Disaster Response" maybe sent to IOCC, P.O. Box 
630225, Baltimore, MD 21263-0225. Donations may also be made online at 
www.iocc.org or by calling toll-free 1-877-803-IOCC (4622).

For more information, please contact IOCC Communications Associate Stephen 
Huba at 1-877-803-4622 or shuba@iocc.org.