I read on some other diary's that US networks aren't really covering the greatest natural disaster in recorded history. The official death toll is now over *150000*, but the true total will never be known. It is likely over 200000. There is almost no news out of Myanmar (Burma), which is likely to have been hit badly. In total there where Tsunami-related deaths in *13 countries* Here's some real pictures of some of the Tsunami waves and their result. Please give to the charity of your choice.
Miraculously, this swedish family survived. I believe this was also the first, "smaller" wave as it approached Thailand.
This gives you an idea of the power of the water. Cars were picked up and tossed around like cardboard boxes.
Here in Sweden where I live (I'm Australian) the country is in shock. Swedes like to head to the beach for winter, however now there is nearly 3000 confirmed dead or missing. That's from a country with a population of 9 million. Do the math and you'll see this is MUCH bigger than the US on 9/11 just for Sweden, let alone Sri Lanka which was hit even worse per capita.
Banda Aceh is on the Northern tip of Sumatra, Indonesia. More than one third of the town is dead or missing. Virtually every structure was damaged or destroyed.
On the west coast there are towns of thousands of people where there is nothing but foundations left. No buildings, no people, nothing. In Meulaboh the Mosque remains.
Where there are survivors, its nearly entirely young men. The old, the woman, and the children, simply could not hold on.
Please donate. My charity of choice is UNICEF - www.unicef.org, but please give to whomever you are comfortable with.