I'm sure you all have read or seen it in the news. The Blackest day in the end of 2004. To be more accurate it was on Dec, 26th 2004. Living in one the affected countries, this tragedy will definitely open a new chapters in not only the South East Asia region but those affected countries in Asia as well ie: Sri Lanka, Maldives and the coastline of India. Today, the figure of death has reach 70,000 and rising ( for all 6 countries affected). For a country that has NEVER encountered such devastation, we, were unprepared and do not has the expertise to handle such horror. A father and a fisherman, in Malaysia (Kelantan state), witness with his own eyes, all FIVE of his children aged 6 to 12, and his wife dissappeared as the tidal wave swept the entire beach in seconds. A diver in a resort in Phi Phi Island, Thailand witness, a "calm" before the disaster happened. He was about to dive in to the lagoon when he notice the sea water seemingly being "sucked" back into the ocean, and in second, a tidal waves rage through the island. Thais authorities is still searching ALL the missing divers, and tourist snorkeling around the reef of Phi Phi Island. So far, THERE ARE NO survivors. It's been devestating this one, last I heard the death toll had hit 80,000, and it's actually spread over 12 countries. 7 major ones, but also the east coast of Africa to a certain extent.
Whats worse is so few people can read the warning signs of a forthcoming tsunami, as you said the water was sucked back a few seconds before and people just stood there. Though it was such a minute amount of time, if people knew what that meant it may have just saved a few hundred lives. It is.. although i can't really keep up with news of other country as Malaysia as well is in turmoil at the moment. As at 7.13pm(m'sian time) i was told that the number of death has reach 84,000 and STILL rising... not including the missing ones. Should atleast be 10,000.. or more. Sumatran alone (unofficial reports) the total of missing person and death is possible to 18,000 or more. They haven't concluded the records yet. Maybe later this evening. I'm staying awake to watch the news.
And officially, M'sian Prime Minister has announce, NO NY celebration is to be held until further notice.. I can understand why they won't be holding a NY celebration, there was speculation even Australia wouldn't celebrate but that has since changed. that were horrible news. When I first heard about it, the news said that they expect probably 2000 deaths and one day later they were speaking of 80.000...that is a shock. My sister had booked a diving tour in Phuket/Thailand for February. I'm glad she isn't there now.
I doubt there will be celebrations in Berlin. The government and several organisations want the people to "donate instead of celebrate" As at 12.25am (M'sian time), Indonesian reports of Approximate 80,000 people are dead, and in total figure of all affected countries, has reach a rocket of 120,000. More are still mising. An entire coastline of Acheh, and Sumatra island has been announce as "ground zero" as thousand of people lost their homes, families, wife, husband, children pets.. everything. I have no idea how much so far is the cost reconstructing those affected towns or city there.
Now the after effect of the Tidal waves is, the epidemic. Disease will difinitely widespread. Especially RATS. And lots of it. This will difinitely be a burden for countires such as Indonesia, Sri Lanka and India.
AS for Phuket and Phi Phi Island, Thais authorities has told media today that, those places is going to closed until all search and rescue and reconstruction is done. The place is fills with dead bodies smell. No chalets or resorts survived the aftermath except for hotels made of concretes. No estimation of damaged has been done, yet. Taiwan has sent a team of rescuer to assist where it can.
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I heard stories that a day before the tsunami aftermath, that the amount of fishes the fishermens caught in Penang, Kelantan and Kedah (Malaysia), were 5 times more than usual. A fisherman disclosed that normally they can get about RM300 atleast of a days catch turns to be of that day way up to RM3000 to RM6000. Also in Maldives, minutes before the the tsunami hit the beaches, tourists claimed to see fishes and dolphins jumping towards the beaches and pets alike acting strangely. The same stories were told in Sri Lanka and India. In India, an amateur camera man caught 1st hand in video from a hotel view, an Indian man was collecting fishes on the beaches with his childrens, as the tidal waves reges through in blimp of a second and the man and children was no more.
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This evening about 4.50 M'sian time, a massive burial was conducted in Acheh. Its pretty horrifying and sad to see all those dead bodies are not given proper burial. The dead were dumped in one big hole. Bodies were rotting rapidly. A sattelite photo that i saw tonight taken by Maesat, shows that 100% of beach along the coastline of Sumatra were lifted to higher ground from it's original position. The Quake from the dept. of Sumatran ocean was recorded at 8.90 to 9.00 on the Richter.
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New year will be celebrated in a modest way possible for us living in Sabah( formerly Borneo), at the farthest east of M'sia, with the addition of a Massive prayer from all different religions at the stroke of midnite to welcome the year 2005. I was planning a BBQ before this took event. I've all the Beer ready in my store with a Karaoke set all geared up. *sigh* so much for a BIG party..... I guess you're a Malaysian, AZ? Well, that makes you the first in here! :D
I don't really know what to say. Here in shielded Singapore, just a few hundred miles from some of the spots hit, everything seems so far away. The disaster, the Western response...with the number of natural disasters we see every year, it just felt the same when I heard of it; shrugged it off...even now I still feel numb at the death toll. S'funny...no offense, but I think I'm kinda deadened by all those disasters. The number of dead people shocks me, but it still feels surrealistic. It was also pretty scary recieving msns from you guys asking what had happened...I had no idea the news would reach all over the world.
Even now the world is still reacting to the news in every way possible: online, in blogs, forums, papers...what role will it play to future events; future preparations? I can hardly imagine... It's terrible for the people that live/lived there.
Humm don't know if the goverment is planning anything for new year here. lol even if they though i will still light of my fireworks :p
but yeah Holland must always be the first to give money to country's that are poor, or country's that are in crisis. but we the people have to keep on saving, wile the goverment keeps on spending :(
it's terrible what happend. and i'm glad there where no big after shocks you know Freddy, many people think the same way as you do but in fact, those countries are much poorer than you will ever be. The rich nations are rich because they have exploited 3rd world countries for years.
Germany has debts too, the government is cutting social contributions but they have donated 20 Million € for reconstruction and I'm glad they did that. Those countries need our help. Thank you for that post smith_fan. Yes those poor countries DO need all the assistance they can get. And it IS also true of waht you said that rich countries a long time ago has been reaping the riches of these poor nation. But that was a long laong time ago. The times Im not even born yet lol. I'm saying this coz i DO NOT want to offend anybody. I think those rich countries are doing what they can and trying to do the right or correct the thing what their ancestors has done wrong.
We Malaysian hate Japan during the WW2, but that was long ago. They have been very friendly to assist to us ever since, offering helps and so forth.
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Macleod, yes, I believe, I am, the one, and only Malaysian in MM since i first registered with the site. The least active atleast. I tried promoting this site to my other friend, they have registered though but has since reluctant to post, for reason that i even don't know. Afraid of posting in broken english i guess :D .
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The nextime any of you guys plan to travel to Sabah, make sure contact me. (*blushing*) yeah, Im promoting yes :D , I'd be happy to take you guys to see the infamous World Mountain Challenge, at Mt Kinabalu. or see the Rafflesia or the Urang Utans, or the famous white water rafting.. hows that sound for a trip? Death toll has reach 123,181 and STILL rising. the breakdown are as follows:
Malaysian : 66 deaths reported,
Indonesia : 79,940 deaths reported,
Sri Lanka : 27,268 deaths reported,
India : 13,268 deaths reported,
Thailand : 2,400 deaths reported,
Maldives : 67 deaths reported,
Myanmar : 36 deaths reported,
Bangladesh : 2 deaths reported
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Acheh, 31 Dec 2004; a Military spokesman reveals that a town west of Acheh has been confirmed 86% wipe out, but did not mention any estimation of destruction. More dead bodies yet to be found since telecomunication, and electricity cannot be suplied in the interior area. Lack of man power has been a major reason of the delay of finding more dead bodies. The temporary survivors camp in Malabouh, Acheh has been totally packed. Preliminary estimation, indicated that Acheh death toll could reach 400,000 or, more. 2.16 pm (MY time) Sri Lanka Tsunami damages has been revealed topping up to US$50 million (RM190 Mil). Official report states that US has already leading a group to assist the victims of the disaster. Lankan authorities are desperate to calling more aid from international communities.
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Jet Li and family survived the aftermath of the tsunami as it hit the hotel he was staying for his NY holiday in Maldives island. There were also, several AC Milan's player staying in the same hotel survived the aftermath. It was known that Maldives island is one of the main destination for many Italian players during the winter break.
However, reports said that Jane Holland and her daughter of the well known Holland's family (actors and actresses) are still missing, and presumed dead. Many Britons and Western tourists are reported missing or dead.
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Tsunami: Have Humans been so bad that God channels his angers through destruction such as these? Its funny how a lot of superstitious stories surfaces after the aftermath. Some said that the recent civil war in Acheh where Muslim Extremist went on rampage against Christian community in Deli, Acheh, cause the the quake. I can't blame the person who told that stories, back then, that civil war was a massacre. Innocent women and child, were shot as they cross the road, many blame the Muslim militant and some, blame the Indonesian government. The christian communities in Deli claimed that Indonesian Gov. were supplying arms for "ethnic cleansing" during that civil war. Could that made God angry? -- I'm not superstitious but thats what i heard. http://www.zaobao.com/special/disaster/images/quake301204ac.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v108/es0teric/tsunami.jpg
resembles a mini size of the movie : The Day after Tomorow http://digilander.libero.it/aliendream/onde/onda-wave.jpg
It's lucky that Singapore is not affected at all, despite its located in Soth East asia.
It's sad that new year's coming and the death toll is rising... :( 400000 people.
And all my measly government could be bothered to send was half a million quid. That's nothing compared to the amount lost. I'd send as much as it takes if I were them. People should still celebrate things, as celebrations are a recognition of life. What should change is a global society addicted to having more and more and more, while some people have less and less and less...Wealth ain't nuthin but a question of geography, yo. The more temperate the climate, the greater the wealth. You don't choose where you are born, but you should ALWAYS help those in need. You never know when it might be you that needs the karma-komeback. I only hope that now people can find a way to put an end to these civil wars over there and focus on the fact that too many innocent people have lost their lives due to not only nature but mankind. It really is one hell of a slap in the face. Death toll has reach 123,181 and STILL rising. the breakdown are as follows:
Malaysian : 66 deaths reported,
Indonesia : 79,940 deaths reported,
Sri Lanka : 27,268 deaths reported,
India : 13,268 deaths reported,
Thailand : 2,400 deaths reported,
Maldives : 67 deaths reported,
Myanmar : 36 deaths reported,
Bangladesh : 2 deaths reported
I'm not sure about the other areas, but last I heard Indonesia was up to 94,000
And all my measly government could be bothered to send was half a million quid.
That is pretty poor, I'm astounded by how much our government, and the people for that matter have donated to the cause. The government pledged 100 million last I heard, they've been steadily increasing it since the beginning of the disaster. The people of Australia have pledged 78 million, which considering we only have a population of less than 20 million is quite staggering.
I only hope that now people can find a way to put an end to these civil wars over there and focus on the fact that too many innocent people have lost their lives due to not only nature but mankind. It really is one hell of a slap in the face.
What pisses me off is what the world can do when faced with an emergency like this, yet what we all fail to do as far as ongoing tragedies in places like Africa where I believe one child dies every 20 seconds.
Maybe if we could continue this sort of appeal continuously the world would be a much better place for everyone. An old friend of mine in Bandung, Indonesia told me something that really explodes me to the maximum level. As local authority asked for a donation and supplies for those homeless tsunamis victims, there are people from MY own country sees this an opportunity to DO business. How inhumane can you get! Just to top-up to that, instead of sending clothes and food supplies, this ignorant-no feeling guilty-jack asses sent in their garbage instead! Yes you heard me! They did not sent extra or unused clothes but their clothes used to wipe their dirt off. THIS IS SICK!. LET THE WORLD KNOW HOW SHAME AND INSULTED I FELT ABOUT IT.
This is exactly the type of mentality that we DO NOT want in "our own backyard'. Yet, it happened.
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The total of death now is 130,000, ...and rising..... Like you said EON, in the event of something "BIG" like this thing happen only draw some eye attention to big countries where, in order to benefit the glamourous and popularity ONLY then they will show compassion " a hand to help". Where as, in the certain cases of on going problem, such as those sufferred in AFRICA, are NOT well looked into. AIDS is a major issue yet, it seems as if the effort has since died-out. And the "all time" issue of HUNGER, and food shortages in certain midlands of AFRICA also did not win much publicity in media (except certain parties that really cares).
I can tell that i donated as much as i can, for whatever donation there is to give, but i am not that rich, and of course, i do have family to feed. But for rich, well developed and big countries, they could have done better instead of just seeking publicity. UN has'nt been that much help of late. Oh, what to do? I have the sick feeling that the major governments in the world started a battle about the Tsunami aid. Let's hope that these pledges aren't only soap-bubbles. And especially I have the sick feeling that MY government only wants to give 500 Million € in order to gain support for its bid for UN security council :rolleyes: Even if they are doing it for the wrong reason, if they actually give the money or support then so be it. Regardless of anything else, everything that a government does is politically motivated in one way or antother. An old friend of mine in Bandung, Indonesia told me something that really explodes me to the maximum level. As local authority asked for a donation and supplies for those homeless tsunamis victims, there are people from MY own country sees this an opportunity to DO business. How inhumane can you get! Just to top-up to that, instead of sending clothes and food supplies, this ignorant-no feeling guilty-jack asses sent in their garbage instead! Yes you heard me! They did not sent extra or unused clothes but their clothes used to wipe their dirt off. THIS IS SICK!. LET THE WORLD KNOW HOW SHAME AND INSULTED I FELT ABOUT IT.
This is exactly the type of mentality that we DO NOT want in "our own backyard'. Yet, it happened.
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The total of death now is 130,000, ...and rising.....
Disaster can not only bring the best out in people but also the worst. I have just read how a large group of paedophiles are heading to the worst affected areas in drodes to prey on the backyard adoption shops. And the worst part is, they stated these monsters are Australians. I am ashamed to be the same nationality as them. But that was just the national news, and I know that these freaks come from all over the world to prey on the young. I think one of the worst things to happen as a result of the disaster is the increase in child-trafficking. That people can actually do that at a time of great need makes me sick and sad. I don't know if this is just a "show off" gestures or not, but i was just trying to get something for my daily contributions to our local Newspaper here through a contact and also friend of mine in Indonesia. He said that the medical supports staff(military personel) from Australia, were much more helpful than Indonesia Military personels. He said, I quote " not only they perform on-the-spot medical surgery to badly wounded victims, they were also very profesional in handling crowded, temporary make-shift hospitals".
If thats what he said then I believe him, we work together several occasions before and he is an honest man. Some media from Peninsular Malaysia did mention about that today and Australian support staff that was sent there had been given a "thumbs-up".
What irks me is that, where some of the surviving members of the tsunamis victims were searching their own families or relatives dead bodies, Indonesian military personel that was sent there to help, did nothing. Instead, forced them to go and pick-up other dead bodies in other areas.And when their orders are not met or obeyed, they threatens to shoot or kill them. Imagine that? One old man stood up and said "I already lost so many members of my family... what's the point of threatening us like that. Just shoot me! End my misery. Shoot me you dog!" the personel then walks and backs away.
I mean the way the military personel did what he did, was pointless. He failed to "recognized" his own countrymen. Despite aid coming in from all over the world, Indonesia WILL have problem rebuilding Acheh. Even after a big tragedy has happen, it did not even manage to unite that part of their country. There are still big gaps between understanding of two major religion Acheh and races ( Javanese, Bugis, Madura, Timorese, Tidong, Malays and natives alike). That is one thing that a lot of peopel are actually counting on in the onths and years to follow. They are hoping that the immediate relief and the future support and rebuilding will bring all of these factions together. Honostly, I know very little about this portion of the world so I can not make an educated statement on how likely this is. Yesterday I was sickened by the freaks preying on the young. And I still am naturally. However after learning we have just shipped out numerous aussie ER doctors, theatre nurses, specialists and top of the line psychologists, donating 1 Billion AUS dollars, and seeing our armed forces being generously and evenly distributed to the many over there who have been cut off in their small vilages, makes me very happy and proud. Not only to be an aussie, but also the spirit of mankind when it brings out it's best.
For countless years Indonesia has been on the brink of war with Australia, but now it seems that bridges are finally being built between the two.. The new Indonesian president is the best thing thats happened I reckon, Megawati (or however the fuck you spell her name) did nothing for them. And this guy seems more stable than she was.
As for the half billion Aus is giving them and the half billion we're loaning them, while I'm damn proud of the fact we've done it (and it's possibly the first thing both parties have agreed on in a long time), I wonder if Howard has other reason to do it...although I don't like Howard, so maybe it's just me. PORT KLANG: Indonesian Rizal Shahputra spent a harrowing nine days sitting on a tree trunk afloat at sea, seeing one after another of his companions slip away, leaving him all alone the last three days.
The 20-year-old, who was swept 100 nautical miles from his home in Banda Aceh into the middle of the Indian Ocean by the devastating tsunami on Dec 26 was found alive by an officer of a container vessel on Monday evening.
“When the tsunami hit, quite a number of us were swept into the sea. Many of us swam towards a tree trunk and hung on,” he told reporters before being rushed to the Tengku Ampuan Rahimah General Hospital in Klang yesterday.
After the first two days, however, many of his companions, who were weakened, slipped away and died.
Rizal expressed grief on learning that many people, especially from the Aceh province, had died.
“I know several members of my family members are no longer alive but I will continue to pray that I have the chance to reunite with relatives who made it,” he said.
The vessel, which sailed from Cape Town, South Africa, on Dec 22 docked into Wharf 20 at Northport at about 7am yesterday.
Rizal who had bruises on his chin, arms and legs was rushed by a waiting ambulance to the hospital for medical treatment.
Earlier two Immigration Department officers and two officials from the Indonesian Embassy in Kuala Lumpur recorded statements from Rizal.
Meanwhile, Rizal might not have been alive today had it not been for the sharp eyes of MV Durban Bridge chief officer Huang Wen Feng.
Huang was the one to spot Rizal, sitting on a tree trunk and clad in a yellow T-shirt and green pants. The 33-year-old sailor from China’s Fujian province said the ship’s agent, K-Line, had sent them a message last week to keep a watch for possible survivors.
“At first I just saw something floating on the sea. Since it was not very clear, I used a pair of binoculars, and that was when I saw a man frantically waving for help,” he said.
“From then on, all I came across were floating bodies and these included those of people I knew,” he said.
The crew of the Panama-registered MV Durban Bridge sent a lifeboat to get closer to Rizal before throwing a lifebuoy to him.
Recalling that fateful day, Rizal said he and several others were laying the foundation for a mosque at Banda Aceh when they were jolted by a loud tremor.
“One of the boys ran towards us and told us that big waves were charging towards us and that we should immediately run for cover,” he said.
All of them made a dash but it was too late and they were swept into the sea by the giant waves which flattened almost the whole of Banda Aceh.
Rizal said he was grateful to Allah that he was alive after spending so many days out in the sea.
“I recited verses from the Quran each time I felt hungry and I thank Him for keeping me alive when so many others have lost their lives.”
Rizal survived by eating coconuts and packets of Milo which he saw floating in the sea.
He also used a piece of crockery which he retrieved from the sea to store rainwater which he used for drinking.
(original BY FREDERICK FERNANDEZ) The Star** The new Indonesian president is the best thing thats happened I reckon, Megawati (or however the fuck you spell her name) did nothing for them. And this guy seems more stable than she was.
As for the half billion Aus is giving them and the half billion we're loaning them, while I'm damn proud of the fact we've done it (and it's possibly the first thing both parties have agreed on in a long time), I wonder if Howard has other reason to do it...although I don't like Howard, so maybe it's just me.
Though Howard's intentions were indeed admirable, there is always a hidden agenda when it comes basically everything he does. Why? He's a politician. Look Eon, I'm not much of a supporter of Howard either, however I am proud to call him my prime minister, and that really says something about the asshole factor of the other dickheads we've had.
Eon, do you know the latest death count for the Australians? It keeps fluctuating so much here that I can't find anything on it that doesn't conflict with the other stories out there. Officially they're saying 13, however the families are saying there are more dead which brings the unofficial toll to 21. There are possibly some burried in those mass graves and we'll never know. last news from my perspective: 60 dead Germans, still about 1000 Germans missed. Death toll as at today has reach 226,000 mark. The UNICEF officials this morning (9.02am-Jan/20/2005:Malaysian times) said that, by tommorrow morning, the figures could double. he also mentioned that at this stage, the process of identifying dead bodies will be difficult since, remains that were found are either skeletals or in pieces (bitten by stray dogs and/or pecked by birds).
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I apologize for not being too updated in this thread lately. I lost a nephew in a freak accident. When I reached the scene, he was already dead, both of his legs amputated (we found his right leg an hour later under a jackfruit tree), broken ribs with his intestine popped out, broken skulls and eyes partly popped out. The drunken driver that hit him is now apprehended and now awaiting court order. We beat-up the SOB before the police arrived, my only regrets was, why i did'nt kill the bastard. I'd like to thank to whoever removed the "t" from the word "Christmas" of this thread title. I noticed that. I wanted to removed it myself but i don't know how... :P
And, thanks for securing me a "Security" post under my nicks :D. Anybody can tell me what's that mean? My mind is a bit "blurry" since my nephew funeral. Just when things about to be in order..
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2005/3/27/asia/10527698&sec=asia I'd like to thank to whoever removed the "t" from the word "Christmas" of this thread title. I noticed that. I wanted to removed it myself but i don't know how... :P
And, thanks for securing me a "Security" post under my nicks :D. Anybody can tell me what's that mean? My mind is a bit "blurry" since my nephew funeral.
If it's still on your mind, these titles just change according to your post count. They don't really mean anything.
Sad that people are still suffering from this tragedy... (Thanks for the info Freeymd.)
It really irks me when i read that news. These womens already homeless, lost their husbands, brothers, sisters, mothers, and pets. Yet, there are scums out there doing this things people *cough*men*cough* can be such jerks....
Another quake (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/7316846/?GT1=6305) just hit this evening, but no Tsunami.... Western Australia is bracing itself for a small Tsunami today/tonight. My granny lives there damnit. people *cough*men*cough* can be such jerks...
I understand. Some men just can't hold their horses... sheeesh...
These *men* are not men at all. These are animal. A beast. Did you know that some of those victims are as old as 13 years old? And when they got caught, they offered marriage to avoid legal action? That is unspeakable.... *sigh* Western Australia is bracing itself for a small Tsunami today/tonight. My granny lives there damnit.
Is she okay UT? Can't you or anyone from your family go and get her? Not sure yet honey. Evac took place yesterday where she lives and today I can't get her on the phone. So all I can do is wait. I'm sure it'll be ok for they had enough time to prepare thank the deities.
EDIT: Well ok, it seems to have been a non event. Good shit.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200503/s1333698.htm That's wonderful. Congrats on the fantastic news; I still can't believe none of this is getting news coverage around here. Thank god it's not that serious. Its funny how soon after the quake that hit Indonesia, Philipines started getting tremors. It can be felt all the way to Sabah. Almost all of South East Asian seem to be getting tremors one after another. Yeah, well it was very sudden when it was broadcasted yesterday about WA for us at EA, and I was watching this morning show we have here and old Burt (the host) said "And we say an early goodbye to our WA viewers for they are being prepped for evac, so good luck etc etc" and in between this morning show we always have news updates, so yes, saw the quake coverage, then still trying to figure out why the coastal towns and small islands and inlets in and around WA were evacuating, it said due to a small Tsunami. But It's all good now. And the Tsunami early warning systems have been sped up much faster now in South East Asia since this terrible disaster has happened, so that is one good thing to come out of it. Someone "up there" must be V-E-R-Y angry with these Indonesian or this part of their country. Seems like quakes has been very rampant now down there. Atleast 2000 people has been confirmed dead.
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2005/4/2/asia/10585155&sec=asia
View Full Version : Tsunami: The day after Christmas Tragedy
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