Samaritan's Purse Bumps Tsunami Relief Commitment to Over $13 Million
Samaritan's Purse is committing more than $13 million to tsunami relief efforts after a visit by the agency’s president to tsunami-ravaged South Asia this week.
A North Carolina-based Christian relief organization is committing more than $13 million to tsunami relief efforts after a visit by the agency’s president to tsunami-ravaged South Asia this week.
“I saw destruction today that is probably the worst I have seen in my life,” said Samaritan’s Purse’s Franklin Graham who is currently in Southeast Asia assessing the region’s needs. Graham, who has 30 years of experience in relief work in more than 100 countries around the world, said nothing completely prepares you for the horror of seeing first-hand the tsunami devastation in South Asia.
“The problems here are on such a massive scale, we need that generosity to continue so that we can provide help to the people here long-term, which is critical,” Graham added. “So many people here have literally lost everything.”
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While in South Asia, Graham had a chance to meet privately with leaders of Indonesia’s Aceh province. The Vice Governor expressed his deep gratitude for the quick response of Samaritan’s Purse and stressed the desperate need for that help to continue.
According to the agency, the latest efforts in the area include some unique ways Samaritan’s Purse is working with survivors to help them rebuild.
Samaritan’s Purse is purchasing fishing boats to replace some of those destroyed by the tsunami. Relief workers say the boats will put hundreds of people back to work.
The agency is also send families 10,000 rebuilding kits that include hammers, nails, saws, and other tools to help victims rebuild their homes.
Other Relief Supplies Provided By Samaritan’s Purse:
- Shelter Material—Plastic sheeting to provide shelter for more than 8,000 families.
- Clean Water—Water filters capable of providing clean water daily for 45,000 people. In addition, packets for cleaning polluted water have arrived which can provide a month’s supply of clean water for 60,000 people.
- Food—Distribution of both food and essentials for cooking, including stoves, pots, utensils, lanterns, and other essential items.
- Blankets—15 tons of blankets will offer bedding for 6,000 people.
- Medicine—Medical kits can meet basic needs of 20,000 people for three months. Doctors on the Samaritan’s Purse teams are constantly assessing further needs.
- Air Support—A helicopter and plane will help reach tsunami victims in areas now inaccessible by ground.
“We are so thankful for the donations and prayers,” said Graham.
To find out how to support this group and other Christian agencies taking part in the Tsunami Relief Efforts, visit the Christian Post Tsunami Relief Section at: www.christianpost.com/tsunami
