Death toll tops 100.000

[Xen]

DEATH TOLL TOPS 100,000 More than 120,000 people have now been confirmed dead across south Asia following Sunday's tidal wave disaster. See Sky News and Sky News Active for the latest footage. Twenty seven of the dead are known to be Britons. The World Health Organisation has warned that an outbreak of disease could double the death toll. More than 79,000 people have been declared dead in Indonesia alone - the worst-hit country. Sri Lanka says nearly 22,800 people were killed there. Thailand says the number of dead could be 6,000. It increased its death toll to 1,976 and said 345 were foreigners. An estimated five million people need aid across the southern Asia region. Supplies are getting through but much more is needed, say disaster agencies. Dozens of countries have promised millions of pounds but aid agencies say billions are needed. A woman surveys her wrecked home in Thailand A woman surveys her wrecked home in Thailand Britain has pledged £15m, the US £18m. The Disasters Emergency Committee, representing Britain's leading charities, said Britons have already pledged £20m. Spokeswoman Jane Moyo said it was an "unbelievable amount to be raised in such a short time". The charity effort has included a plane chartered by Oxfam to carry 27 tons of emergency water and sanitation equipment to Sri Lanka and Indonesia. Empty planes which are being sent to the region to bring home stranded holidaymakers are also being used to ferry out aid. However, the charities have warned the aid must continue beyond the initial crisis. The disaster was caused by an underwater earthquake off Sumatra measuring 9.0 on the Richter scale. It triggered the huge tidal waves known as a tsunamis.

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[ 12-30-2004, 08:35 AM: Message edited by: Xen ]