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December 26, 2004 (Last Updated-1/12/05-04:04am PST)

Deadly Tsunami - Information, Links, How to help.

Overview

On Sunday, December 26, 2004, in the Indian Ocean, off the west coast of Northern Sumatra, Indonesia. a 9.0 magnitude earthquake struck, sending killer tsunami waves heading towards multiple countries. Researchers say Sunday's quake is one of the most powerful earthquakes to hit in the last 40 years.

Countries effected from the tusnami include, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India, Thailand, Somalia, Burma, Malaysia, Maldives, Tanzania, Seychelles, Bangladesh and Kenya.

What's a 'Tsunami'? - The word tsunami is a japanesse word, who meaning translates into "harbor wave". A tsunami is a seismic seawave that is created as the result of a geological event - such as landslide, marineslide or earthquake which occurs within or in the vicinity of a water body.

Click here for a collection of images.

Current Injured/Death Tolls

With updated counts on the confirmed dead this morning, the Indonesian government has raised it's official count to 105,522.

The current grand total is over 150,000 for the twelve countries affected.

In addition the number of injured currently exceeds 500,000 with over a million left without homes.

The U.S. State Department has asked that relatives contact the State Department to report the whereabouts of any U.S. citizens who are suspected missing. The State Deparmtment may be contacted via their toll-free number at 1-888-407-4747.

How to help

There are quite a few different aid organizations collecting funds to help with relief efforts. Keep in mind however, not all aid organizations operate the same. Many organizations use part of the donated funds for internal operations. Our pick and recommendation is the Red Cross, as independent agencies have audited their records and noted that over 90% of donated funds actually go towards direct programs for the relief.

The Red Cross can be reached by mail, phone or the internet. Contact information is as follows:

American Red Cross
International Response Fund
PO Box 37243
Washington, DC 20013
1-800-HELP-NOW
www.redcross.org

For a complete list of organizations assisting in the relief fund, please visiting MSNBC's website by clicking here.