2004.12.31

Asia-Tsunami Europeans (Chicago Tribune) The search continues for the bodies of Europeans, perhaps thousands of them, killed by tsunami. 2004.12.31

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World Bank pledges 100 million dollars for Sri Lanka tsunami victims (AFP). The World Bank is allocating 100 million dollars to Sri Lanka out of an immediate budget of 250 million dollars for nations devastated by the tsunamis. 2004.12.31

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Asia-New Year's (AP) It is a subdued New Year's Eve in Asia with celebrations scaled back or canceled in many locations due to the quake/tsunami tragedy. 2004.12.31

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Japan-Russia (Kyodo) Russia gives Japan a New Year's Eve present with oil pipeline route preferred by Tokyo. 2004.12.31

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ADB Pledges $325 Million Lending for Tsunami Relief (Reuters). The Asian Development Bank says it had made available up to $325 million in emergency lending for tsunami relief efforts in Indonesia, Sri Lanka and Maldives. The Manila-based lending institution says about $175 million could be diverted from existing projects in the three countries, while up to $150 million in new low-cost loans could be drawn. 2004.12.31

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Britain alters travel advice to Sri Lanka, Thailand after tsunami (AFP). Britain warns its nationals against all but essential travel to tsunami-stricken areas of Thailand and Sri Lanka which the Foreign Office says are at risk from disease. 2004.12.31

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Tsunami-Relief (AP) Foreign militaries begin converging on quake and tsunami disaster areas bringing desperately needed supplies. tusnami 2004.12.31

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Asia-Quake/Tsunami (WHO) World Health Organization says up to five million people have been affected by the quake/tsunami disaster. tidal waves 2004.12.31

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Thailand-Tsunami (PA) Thailand may have delayed tsunami warning so as not to worry the tourists. 2004.12.31

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Japan-India Tsunami (IANS) Japan is ready to help India recover from the tsunami. 2004.12.31

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Thai Tsunami Tourist Toll 2,200 and Rising (Reuters). The known toll of foreign tourists killed around Thailand's Khao Lak beach nears 2,000 and is still rising as Asia's tsunami catastrophe resonates beyond the Indian Ocean into European hearts. 2004.12.31

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Animated guide to the tsunami. [BBC News ] How a massive earthquake in the Indian Ocean triggered sea surges and the deaths of thousands of people. 2004.12.31

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Australian cricketers propose tsunami fund-raising match (AFP). Australia's cricketers are proposing an international match to raise funds for tsunami victims but says the event depends on cooperation from cricket bodies. 2004.12.31

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Indonesia to Host Tsunami Summit Next Week (Reuters). Indonesia says it will host an international tsunami summit on Jan. 6, aimed at garnering more emergency aid for the disaster hit Indian Ocean region and discuss future reconstruction needs. 2004.12.31

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Reporters' log: Aceh.  [BBC News ] BBC correspondent's log today from Banda Aceh. 2004.12.31

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Tsunami-Final Tally Some Asian media are daring to project a final death toll from the quake/tsunami as high as one million. There is evidence in India that officials are releasing casualty numbers far below the reality seen from aerial surveys. Indonesian officials are now talking of deaths in the hundreds of thousands. 2004.12.31

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Tsunami-Deaths (Reuters) Death toll from quake, tsunami surpasses 125,000. 2004.12.31

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DPRK-Japan (Kyodo) North Korea delivers strong hint at ending abduction talks with Japan. 2004.12.31

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Aid Pours Into Asia, Not Reaching Tsunami Victims (Reuters). Hundreds of tons of emergency supplies of tarpaulins, water purification systems, food and medicines pour into Asia, but littleis reaching injured, sick and hungry tsunami survivors. 2004.12.31

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Race against time for largest aid effort ever. [Christian Science Monitor ] The world has pledged about $500 million to help tsunami survivors, relying on lessons from past disasters to expedite relief. 2004.12.31

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Breakdown of Quake, Tsunami Death Toll (AP). At least 117,321 people were killed in 12 countries in southern Asia and Africa from Sunday's massive earthquake and tsunami waves, according to official figures. A breakdown of the toll so far is in this story. 2004.12.31

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Blog: On the Road in Tamil Nadu. [Radio Free Asia] Indian government warnings of another tsunami strike sends panicked Tamil Nadu residents fleeing for their lives. RFA reporter Pema Ngodup is in the region, providing this blog with his impressions about the devastated seashore region. 2004.12.31

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European Tsunami Death Toll Feared in Thousands (Reuters). Sweden says more than 1,000 Swedes may have been killed in the Asian tsunami, the worst death toll for any foreign country. 2004.12.31

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Yen hits record low against euro. [BBC News] The Japanese yen hits a record low against the euro amid concerns that growth in Asia may slow after the weekend's quake. 2004.12.31

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Thai villagers say wealthy tourists got higher priority (USA Today). Ban Nam Khem, a poor fishing village hemmed in by expensive tourist resorts on the Thai coast, wasn't missed by the devastating tsunami waves, but its people complained that aid efforts are bypassing them. 2004.12.31

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USA Uses Thai Base As Tsunami Relief Hub (AP). A Thai air base that accommodated U.S. bomber planes during the Vietnam War is being used by the American military again as the hub of its tsunami relief effort in the Indian Ocean. 2004.12.31

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Asia-Tsunami Resources Here is a good multi-lateral website for reporters and others about the tsunami aftermath, courtesy of the South Asian Journalists Association. 2004.12.31

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