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As Death Toll Tops 155,000, Islamic Relief USA Sends Plane with 160,000 Pounds of Emergency Supplies

January 13, 2005

Dr. Ahmad El-Bendary (right), President of Islamic Relief USA, greets Bishop Richard Edgley (left), first counselor the Church of Jesus Christ of Ladder-day Saints on Friday, December 31, 2004 at the Salt Lake City airport

Islamic Relief USA sent an airplane filled with 160,000 pounds of emergency aid materials to Indonesia. The shipment left for Jakarta, Indonesia from Salt Lake City, Utah on Saturday, January 1, 2005.

The supplies were shipped in cooperation with the Church of Jesus Christ of Ladder-day Saints. Islamic Relief USA provided an air cargo charter flight filled with goods from the Church’s welfare and humanitarian storehouses, including medical supplies, food supplies, high-protein milk powder, hygiene kits and soap.

The contents of the shipment include:

• 40,000 pounds of medical supplies:
  surgical tools, medical devices, gloves, sponges, bandages, gowns, test tubes, blood pressure cuffs, etc. 

• 20,000 pounds of first aid supplies:
  bandages, aspirin, disinfectants, etc. 

• 28,000 individual hygiene kits:
  soap, toothpaste, combs, washcloths, etc. 

• 40,000 pounds of clothing and shoes 

Death Toll Surges Past 155,000

Dr. Mohamed Abul-Magd (right), General Manager of Islamic Relief USA, greets Mark Tuttle, Director of Public Relations for the Church (left), in front of the airplane used to ship 160,000 pounds of emergency aid to Indonesia.

The death toll from the devastating tsunamis in Asia has surged past 155,000. Millions are still homeless and tens of thousands are still missing.

The World Health Organization (WHO) says as many as 5 million people are at risk, with little water, food or shelter. The WHO also reported that diseases could double the death toll before the situation can be stabilized.

The United Nations reported that the disaster would require the biggest relief effort the world has ever seen.

Islamic Relief Action in Indonesia 

Islamic Relief began distributing emergency aid on December 29, and the distribution is ongoing. Items distributed include mineral water, food, oil, disinfectants, flashlights and candles.

Islamic Relief is providing immediate emergency assistance to approximately 50,000 displaced people (12,500 families) in the Aceh province. This assistance includes shelter, repair for water and sanitation, food distribution, education and agriculture projects.

Islamic Relief Action in Sri Lanka  

Islamic Relief Worldwide is focusing relief efforts in the Eastern Province, particularly in the Ampara district, where a needs assessment was performed on December 30 and 31. Islamic Relief Worldwide is currently in the process of distributing 1,000 hygiene kits. Relief efforts will also include distribution of emergency supplies to 10,000 families, reconstruction materials to 2,000 displaced families, as well as sanitation supplies to over 50 camps.

Islamic Relief Action in India 

IRW is working in Chennai, India with its partners to implement emergency projects in the next few days.

Islamic Relief USA's Efforts Covered Extensively in the Media

Islamic Relief USA has been covered by several media outlets since the tsunami disaster relief efforts began, al-hamdu lillah (all praise be to God). They include, but are not limited to CNN, BBC, The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, The Chicago Tribune, USA Today, Los Angeles Daily News, Casper Star-Tribune, Yahoo! News, Detroit Free Press, Houston Chronicle, Pasadena Star News, Seattle Times, Seattle Post-Intelligencer, San Diego Union Tribune, and The Burbank Leader.

The death toll is rising. Your donation will save lives. Please donate generously today.