United in Sorrow for New Year to Speed up Tsunami Relief

Under the gloom of the horrific Indian Ocean tsunami, New Year festivities were turned into mourning for millions of survivors in South East Asia. As the death toll continues to rise past 125,000, world leaders are stepping up plans for a global effort to provide more aid.

In the New Year message of the British Prime Minister Tony Blair said, "This New Year the world is united in sorrow for those affected by one of the biggest natural disasters in our lifetime."

"The planning and co-ordination of the international response to the long-term devastation of this natural disaster needs to start now," Blair said.

"Our prayers are with those who have died, those who have lost loved ones and friends and those whose lives have been destroyed by this terrible catastrophe in south East Asia."

Conservative Tory leader Michael Howard urged British citizens to donate cash. "A little money can go a long way. It’s important that we all help," he said.

The UK has increased its contribution to $96m, the biggest donation from an individual country, followed by Sweden and China, who have offered $75m and $60m respectively.

Many Christians have also been victims in the disaster, especially in the region of South East India, according to the Barnabas Fund, a UK-based charity for overseas persecuted churches. In Tamil Nadu State, about 800 Christian families have lost their homes.

"Church buildings have been washed away - the number is unknown at present. Amongst those who have died are many women and children and also some pastors," the charity reported. Currently, the Barnabas Fund is gathering donation for reconstructing Christian homes, churches and communities.

The British based Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) representing 12 leading humanitarian aid agencies, is launching a television and radio appeal to help disaster victims. DEC members are Action Aid, British Red Cross, CAFOD, Care International UK, Christian Aid, Concern, Help the Aged, Merlin, Oxfam, Save the Children, Tearfund and World Vision.

Brendan Gormley, Chief Executive for the DEC commented in a press release, "British charities in the areas hardest hit are facing a huge challenge - they need to reach all those in need but must have the money to do this," Gormley added.

"In times of emergency such as this, it makes sense for agencies to come together and ask the public for help."

The Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams wrote in a personal letter to the Anglican leaders, "This tragedy has had a devastating impact in Asia; it is also felt here in Britain and across the world. Every life lost is a personal tragedy for each family and our hearts go out to the bereaved and injured. The hardship caused by this devastation will be a challenge to many and will require the help and support of the world community. You are all very much in my thoughts and prayers at this time."

The Salvation Army in Canada and Bermuda have also now pledged $1 million to support its international relief effort in South Asia. The International Red Cross has even opened a special website to cope with what it describes as the overwhelming amount of donations.

The UN secretary general and US Secretary of State Colin Powell met in New York on Friday to discuss aid efforts, as rescuers struggle to bring vital supplies to remote areas.

Indonesia's foreign minister today announced Indonesia will host a summit of world leaders on 6th January. The conference will invite 23 countries, including the 10 member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and four major international organisations.

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono will chair the meeting which was being called to "forge a joint commitment to encourage concrete action" for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of areas hit by the disaster.