world offers aid to katrina victims

[seraph]

I normally don't post articles in their entirity, but this brought me to tears and I want to share this. Some countries who are considered enemies and come countries who have so little are offering to help... Sri Lanka, which was devasted by the tsunami less than a year ago, is offering to help and I'm not sure who called that a "token contribution," but I am often more moved by contributions like that... like the boy who gave the 5 loaves of barley bread to Jesus to feed the large crowd (John 6:1-14).

Offers of Aid from Around the World

Offers of aid from around the world

Monday, September 5, 2005; Posted: 8:22 a.m. EDT (12:22 GMT)

(CNN) -- Countries and international agencies -- including several coping with major adversities themselves -- have offered money and supplies to victims of Hurricane Katrina.

Allies such as Britain and Germany as well as adversaries such as Cuba and Iran say they are willing to provide resources and manpower to help with the recovery.

War-wracked Afghanistan and countries slammed by the December tsunami such as India, Thailand and Sri Lanka also offered help.

In addition, the United Nations, the European Union, the Organization of American States and the International Energy Agency are contributing to the relief effort.

However, Cuban President Fidel Castro said the United States had not responded to his offer to send more than 1,500 doctors and tons of medicine and supplies as of Sunday night.

Speaking to doctors in Havana, Castro said: "You could all be there right now lending your services, but 48 hours has passed since we made this offer, and we have received absolutely no response."

Castro recently refused a U.S. offer of help after Hurricane Dennis killed more than 10 people on the island nation in July.

Here are some of the offers:

International agencies:

A U.N. offer of help has been accepted by the United States, the United Nations said. A U.N. coordination team is consulting with government officials in Washington, and the agency's team "will be based at the newly established USAID Hurricane Katrina Operations Center."

The International Energy Agency on Friday announced that all of its 26 member countries agreed to make available 60 million barrels of oil and gas products over the next month.

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies said "more than 80 disaster experts from the Red Cross societies of more than 10 countries are already in place or making plans to travel to the United States in response to a call from the American Red Cross."

NATO said it has been asked by the United States to send emergency relief supplies -- including first aid kits, blankets and food supplies. A NATO liaison officer has been sent to the United States to coordinate aid requests and work with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, according to a NATO statement.

The European Union has offered to help the United States with any assistance required.

The Organization of American States, comprised of Latin American countries, has ordered special measures to back rescue and relief efforts and to restore order, and is establishing a fund for Katrina victims.

Africa

Nigeria: Africa's most populous nation has pledged $1 million for disaster relief.

Americas

Canada was contacted by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services officials to request National Emergency Stockpile System supplies. Requested were "blankets, gloves, gowns, batteries, needles, surgical dressings, bandages, tongue depressors, and bath towels and cloths."

Cuba: Fidel Castro, an adversary of the United States during his decades in power, has offered at least 26 tons of supplies and mobilized 1,586 doctors experienced in disaster assistance, each of whom would bring 27 pounds of medicine.

Mexico has offered $1 million and is sending 15 truckloads of water, food and medical supplies via Texas. The Mexican navy has offered to send two ships, two helicopters and 15 amphibious vehicles.

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, a vocal critic of the United States, offered to send cheap fuel, humanitarian aid and relief workers to the disaster area.

Asia

Afghanistan, where U.S. troops have been battling Islamic militants in the aftermath of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, pledged a $100,000 donation.

Bangladesh: Prime Minister Khaleda Zia announced a donation of $1 million and said the government "will stand by for extending any help and support which includes sending of military, medical and construction personnel.

India: The government is offering $5 million to the American Red Cross and donations of essential medicines, water purification systems for household and community level operations, and a medical team.

Japan has offered to provide $200,000 to the American Red Cross. It is ready to provide up to $300,000 worth of items such as tents, blankets, power generators, portable water tanks and more from a supply depot maintained by the Japanese government in Florida.

Sri Lanka: The country still recovering from the tsunami offered what it called a "token contribution" of $25,000 through the American Red Cross.

Thailand: The office of the prime minister confirmed Monday that the Thai government is offering 100 doctors and nurses to go to the United States next week to help with Hurricane Katrina relief efforts.

Europe

Britain: A plane carrying rations left Britain Monday morning. Britain has said that other kinds of assistance it might be able to offer "are those which focus on areas of specialist and technical expertise, such as medical, urban search and rescue, water management, oil and gas, utilities (water, electricity), port handling, disaster management and emergency response."

France: It has offered a wide range of supplies and services from its mainland and the French Antilles, relatively close to the affected regions. One French non-governmental organization that specializes in restoring phone lines and Internet service is ready to send a team. Veolia Equipment, which has facilities in Louisiana, has offered to make its water management resources available.

Germany: The government has offered a wide range of assistance, including evacuation by air, medical services, transportation services, water treatment capabilities, assistance in searching for victims, vaccination teams and supplies, and emergency shelter.

Italy: A plane carrying aid left Rome Sunday night headed toward the United States.

Spain: A six-member Spanish Red Cross delegation is traveling to the United States to assess the needs of hurricane victims and coordinate with the American Red Cross on what Spain can provide in coming days and weeks.

Sweden: Rescue Authority said it was on standby to supply water purifying equipment, health care supplies and emergency shelters if needed.

Middle East

Bahrain: $5 million donation to assist with relief.

Iran: Foreign Ministry spokesman Hamid Reza-Asefi said Sunday his country is willing to help, if "there is a need for such relief assistance." The aid would be given through the Red Crescent Society, he told reporters.

Israel: Offers medical assistance, such as personnel, equipment and medicines.

Kuwait: Government has asked parliament to approve an emergency aid package of $500 million in humanitarian aid and petroleum. "We as Kuwaitis feel that we must stand alongside our friends to alleviate this humanitarian hardship," Minister of Energy Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahd said in a statement to the Kuwait News Agency.

Qatar: Offers $100 million to assist in the humanitarian crisis triggered by Hurricane Katrina.

Other nations that have offered help include Austria, Australia, Bahamas, Belgium, China, Colombia, Dominica, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Greece, Guatemala, Guyana, Hungary, Jamaica, Lithuania, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Paraguay, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Korea, Switzerland, United Arab Emirates and Venezuela, according to the U.S. State Department.

Thank you.

[Keith]

I sincerely hope this news is making the evening news around the U.S. This is absolutely wonderful and uplifting!!! To anyone from other countries who reads this, let me just say thank you! I am greatly encourage to read this article! Thanks for posting it, Seraph! (In it's entirety!)

[PwrInTheBld]

WOW!!!!

That's fantastic!

[seraph]

I was watching CNN and the reporter had mentioned Sri Lanka, China, Greece, Afghanistan, Cuba and Iran, so I went to their site and found a related article. So, yes... hopefully people will hear and be encouraged.

[hmh]

If these countries are truly serious, then it seems that some are truly appreciative of the assistance we have provided in the past.

[Constant]

If these countries are truly serious, then it seems that some are truly appreciative of the assistance we have provided in the past.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

[Fiosh]

Awesome! It's wonderful to see the best of human nature.

Thanks, Seraph.

Fiosh

[Giaour]

Canada was contacted by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services officials to request National Emergency Stockpile System supplies. Requested were "blankets, gloves, gowns, batteries, needles, surgical dressings, bandages, tongue depressors, and bath towels and cloths."

Canada has to be ASKED for help. They didn't volunteer? Our closest neighbor had to have the USA ask them for their stockpiles of blankets? Pretty pathetic I think.

[PwrInTheBld]

Canada has to be ASKED for help.  They didn't volunteer?  Our closest neighbor had to have the USA ask them for their stockpiles of blankets?  Pretty pathetic I think.

As a Canadian, I am offended by your remark.

Unless you were privy to the telephone conversation between your President and my Prime Minister the day after this tragedy and know something no one else does......?

Help was OFFERED....not asked for.

[Gerioke]

Canada has to be ASKED for help.