More than 150,000 have died from Somalia to Thailand and an estimated 5 million people have been affected by the tsunamis, and thousands more are at risk of dying from a major disease outbreak and starvation.

In partnership with ERD and the agency's long-term approach to the disaster, the Vestry of the Parish of Trinity Church-St. Paul's Chapel, New York, has awarded a $100,000 matching grant to aid long-term tsunami recovery in South Asia. In a letter to the parish community, the Rev. James H. Cooper, rector of Trinity Church, explains the grant and suggests how funds can be
contributed to be matched by the parish, dollar for dollar. The full text of the letter can be found online at: http://www.trinitywallstreet.org/news/article_444.shtml.

Trinity Church's contribution is among numerous gifts to ERD from individuals and congregations nationwide. Other leadership gifts include $146,000 given January 2 by All Saints' Church in Pasadena, California.

Contributions to ERD's South Asia Relief Fund may be made on-line at www.er-d.org or by phone, 800.334.7626, ext. 5129. Gifts can also be mailed to: Episcopal Relief and Development, South Asia Relief Fund, PO Box 12043, Newark, NJ 07101.

In the early days of the crisis, ERD disbursed initial emergency funds totalling $250,000. Working with Anglican partners in South Asia, ERD has sent $50,000 to the Church in Sri Lanka where the agency is also working to provide emergency shelter materials, $50,000 to the Church of North India, and $50,000 to the Church of South India. ERD has also sent $100,000 to assist the ecumenical work of Church World Service in Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand. A further $25,000 is being sent to Christ Church, an Anglican Church in Bangkok, to provide emergency assistance to people in remote villages in southwest coastal communities. Following are specific reports from affected regions.

India

ERD is working with the Church of North India to supply emergency aid to reach people affected by the disaster on Andaman and Nicobar Islands. "The Andaman and Nicobar Islands is one of our dioceses and unconfirmed reports say that much has been lost, which is indeed a great disaster," said the Rev. Enos Das Pradhan, General Secretary of the Church of North India. More than 6,000 people are still missing on the islands and more than 900 are confirmed dead. "Our Bishop in the Diocese of Andaman and Car Nicobar Islands is safe but almost all ten churches in the islands have been washed away," he said.

In the Church of South India, ERD is providing food, clean water, and vaccinations to families in and around Chennai. "We are providing milk and biscuits for babies and little children and giving the old and very young blankets and a change of clothes," said Dr. Pauline Sathiamurthy, General Secretary of the Church of South India.

An ecumenical partnership is also providing vulnerable families living in affected coastal regions, including the Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu states, with food and other basic needs.

Sri Lanka

ERD is providing basic supplies such as food and first aid materials to people affected by the disaster in Sri Lanka. ERD has also shipped 1,000 plastic shelters to the Diocese of Colombo for families left homeless by the tsunamis. The shelters are water-resistant and treated with insecticide which combats malaria and houseflies. More Sri Lankan families are receiving shelter and health kits, medicines, and food through ERD's work with its ecumenical partner.

Indonesia

ERD is working with Church World Service to distribute food, medicines, blankets, and health kits to families in the hard-hit Aceh Province. Children displaced by the disaster will receive counseling services.

Thailand

In Thailand, ERD is working with Christ Church, an Anglican Church in Bangkok, and other Anglican leaders to provide emergency assistance to people in remote villages in southwest coastal communities. ERD's assistance will provide clothing, counseling, and other immediate needs to devastated communities. ERD will work with Christ Church on a long-term housing program that will build homes for families.

ERD will continue working with affected communities long-term to rebuild lives in South Asia.

Episcopal Relief and Development saves lives and builds hope in communities around the world, providing emergency assistance in times of disaster. When the immediate crisis is over, ERD rebuilds devastated communities and offers long-term solutions in the areas of food security, health care, and HIV/AIDS.