14,000 are feared dead by massive quake and still Numbers are Rising

ASIA, 26 Dec: More than 14,000 people across Asia have been killed after one of the most powerful earthquakes on record triggered by massive tidal waves that slammed into coastlines in Sri Lanka, Indonesia, India, Thailand and Malaysia.

The US Geological Survey’s website recorded the 8.9-magnitude earthquake off the west coast of northern Sumatra, 1,000 miles north west of Jakarta. It was centered 25 miles below the seabed. Aftershocks struck in the 7-magnitude range

The earthquake was the worlds fifth most powerful since 1900 and the strongest since a 9.2 tremor slammed Alaska in 1964, US earthquake experts said.

In Sri Lanka — some 1,000 miles west of the epicenter — the death toll stood at 4,150, and in India officials said more than 2,000 had been killed along the country’s southern coast at least 1,902 people were killed by floods and collapsing buildings, in the Indonesian island of Sumatra

Another 198 were confirmed dead in Thailand, 42 in Malaysia and two in Bangladesh. Thousands of people were missing; many of them fishermen at sea, and rescue workers struggled against floodwaters to find and evacuate stranded victims.

Among those killed in India’s Andhra Pradesh state were 32 people, including 15 children, who had gone into the sea for a Hindu religious bath to mark the full moon day.

Reports indicate that the affected populations require support procuring and delivering relief supplies. Basic relief items such as mosquito nets, hygiene articles, cooking facilities and clothing are required urgently. Water containers are needed, along with shelter, and basic building materials.