Outpouring of Generosity Will Support Immediate and Long-Term Needs in Asia
31 December 2004
Oxfam's longstanding commitment to development in Asia will continue beyond crisis through rebuilding process
BOSTON—International humanitarian agency Oxfam America announced today that due to the overwhelming generosity of concerned citizens, the agency has raised over $7.5 million dollars (and rising) in online donations alone for the Asia Earthquake Fund since Sunday, December 26. Collectively, Oxfam International affiliates have raised over $27 million dollars.
Oxfam President Raymond C. Offenheiser said, "For the victims of this earthquake and tsunami, the crisis will not be over in the next few weeks. Donations have already provided thousands with immediate help, and Oxfam will be in it for the long haul."
Support from donors will enable Oxfam to effectively meet its two-fold commitment to affected communities:
- an immediate humanitarian response to ensure clean water, food, and shelter to prevent further casualties and the spread of disease;
- and the next phases of rebuilding and rehabilitating communities, as well as helping poor families rebuild their livelihoods.
Relief operations by Oxfam staff are under way in three of the countries (Sri Lanka, India and Indonesia) worst hit by the massive tsunami that is known to have killed more than 120,000 people. This regional disaster will require massive and sustained assistance to prevent more deaths and continued suffering. The first 15 days after a natural disaster are crucial. Because of water contamination and unsanitary conditions, thousands more may die during this period if clean water, sanitation and food are not delivered immediately. Oxfam has been working on this phase of aid delivery since Sunday.
Oxfam’s longstanding commitment to development in Asia has enabled the agency to take advantage of our network of contacts in local communities and our years of support for the local grassroots organizations we partner with in order to provide immediate assistance to survivors. Our partners in the region have been trained in disaster preparedness and were ready to assist in the distribution of aid, which has included water, food, temporary housing and latrines and sanitation equipment to prevent the spread of disease. In addition, Oxfam has deployed flood and public health experts to the region. Our long-term commitment to South and Southeast Asia, including more than 30 years of operations in Sri Lanka, have uniquely positioned us to respond quickly and effectively. Once the critical phase has subsided, Oxfam will stay in the region, and will continue to work with local communities and grassroots organizations to help rebuild communities through agriculture and microfinance and credit programs.
