|
|
|
-----Original Message-----
From: Gary White Sent: Friday, December 31, 2004 7:29 AM To: Judy Houskeeper Subject: Re: ROTARY DISTRICT 6110 Dear Judy,
Many thanks for your words of sympathy. This truly
is a huge disaster - not just here in Thailand but throughout the region - and
I think it fair to say that we are all still coming to terms with it. The
extent of death and destruction is horrendous; 2,500 dead here, over 120,000
in the region; two buildings left standing on the tourist island of Phi Phi;
aerial photos in the paper today of another area, before and after the wave
hit - you have to look closely to recognize that it is the same area as even
the topography has been altered!
Relief efforts at the moment are still focused on search, rescue, retrieve, evacuate and shelter. The only direct request we at Rotary Bangkok South have had so far is for money for coffins, which says enough in itself, and of course requests for physical help in the form of shelter, counseling and blood donations. Once the immediate situation is stabilized, there will be great need for ongoing aid and assistance, and moves in this direction are now starting to take shape. I learned yesterday that there is a central point being set up to coordinate Rotary efforts in Thailand under Past District Governor Krit Indhewat. I don't know what those entail yet but am seeking to find out. Obviously a coordinated effort is far better than many piecemeal ones and this is a good move I believe. Insofar as your relief funds are concerned, yes, we can certainly help in the distribution of those in some way - although frankly at this time I could not tell you for just what. It could be simply through the central effort, or it could be more specific (one of our members actually lives down there and so we will have direct contact with the efforts). I presume you know our meeting schedule - each Friday at 12.00 for 12.30 at the Pan Pacific Hotel, 952 Rama IV Road (Ph 0 632 9160 direct to our office secretary) - finish by 13.30 - and we look forward to your visiting us in February. I'm very sorry I can't be more specific at this time, but everyone is only just starting to get to grips with the magnitude of this disaster. But certainly if we can be of assistance we will. Best wishes to you and your members for the new year, Yours in Rotary Gary White Vice President Rotary Club of Bangkok South (66) 2234 2650/2780 (my work) (66) 2392 2821 (home)
|
