What do the International Red Cross, Russia, Japan, Australia, China, the US, Italy, Sweden, Germany, France, Britain, Austria, Dutch Red Cross, Greece, and Israel, have in common?
They are all rushing aid and money to areas in South Asia hit by the earthquake and the tsunamis.
In Singapore? Some are busy whining about the refunds to their holidays.
Meanwhile, Singapore has also committed to contributing relief assistance to countries hit by the disaster.
We have a Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) medical team on standby to reach Indonesia with relief supplies by Thusday to provide relief to earthquake and tidal wave victims. Yes, you heard me, Thursday.
Sure, I am aware of the need to discuss with the Indonesian authorities on how best to deploy these guys, but I don't know... seems like a long time. I mean, the disaster hit on Sunday morning, and we will get there by Thursday? That's doesn't sound like the super-efficient Singapore I know.
With relief workers from the other side of the world mobilising and rushing to the troubled spots, seems a little tardy for us, who live just next door to Indonesia.
On another note, sometimes, I marvel at how blessed our little island is, and how much we take for granted.
Excerpt from Canada's National Post:
World aid pours in for quake victims
Frances D'Emilio
Canadian Press
December 27, 2004
ROME (AP) -- Aid teams from around the world rushed to southern Asian countries devastated by tidal waves, warning that anything less than an urgent response would add many more deaths to the already catastrophic toll.
Excerpt from The Straits Times (not available after three days, and requires registration):
SAF on standby to send medical team to Indonesia
S'pore's assistance counts as part of big global effort to help victims
By David Boey
A SINGAPORE Armed Forces (SAF) medical team is on standby to fly to Indonesia with relief supplies by Thursday to provide relief to earthquake and tidal wave victims.
The team is part of a $2 million Singapore Government contribution in relief assistance to countries hit by the disaster.
The Government is discussing with the Indonesian authorities how best to deploy the team, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs yesterday.
The impending departure of SAF personnel is part of a global effort by more than a dozen countries to help victims of the world's most powerful earthquake in 40 years.
