"On hindsight I wish we had set up the SEA-EAT (South East Asia Earthquake and Tsunami) blog on a wiki instead.  It was such a quick and spontaneous decision driven by Peter Griffin and Rohit Gupta that we just wanted to get on with building the resources rather than fuss about the platform." [Conversations With Dina]

The SEA-EAT aims to provide an exchange of information and resources about the Indian Ocean earthquake; how to donate, what to donate, and where to donate. Names and addresses of volunteers are given so that you can contact them directly via the Internet, post or telephone. An amazing site.

10:32:59 PM    

"In the last couple of years 'civilized' governments in the western world have spent hundreds of billions of dollars 'liberating' Iraq. Our governments spend hundreds of billions more every year on weapons systems that (thankfully) are rarely if ever used." [dog or higher]

Earthquake and floods in Asia - donations via Oxfam

4:32:46 PM    

"International Development Secretary Hilary Benn told the BBC the government would 'make available' £15m for use in the 'first phase of the relief effort', making the UK the second largest contributor after the US.

He said the effort was 'about getting practical steps to get help to where it is needed' and added that the government 'will do more if required'." [BBC]

Still not enough but an improvement.

11:12:18 AM    

"The UK government has also donated £400,000 to Save the Children in Sri Lanka, £400,000 to the Red Cross and £55,000 to the World Health Organisation." [BBC]

Not enough, chaps.

1:35:29 AM    

Time to splash the cash you received or have left over from Christmas. The tsunami in the Indian Ocean has effected a dozen countries in the area. And it goes without saying that the survivors will be desperate for help for a long time to come.

"Oxfam needs you! Oxfam makes a real difference to people’s lives, but we couldn’t do it without your support. There are lots of different ways you can contribute and get involved." [Oxfam]

"If you are a UK taxpayer, the value of your gift can be increased by 28% under the Gift Aid scheme. On your behalf, we simply claim back the tax from the Inland Revenue" [Oxfam donation page for UK taxpayers]

12:57:57 AM