In a dramatic move, the UK government raised its earthquake aid package to £15 million – almost 15-fold increase from its previous relief package - yesterday following criticism from the opposition and the people that it was falling short in helping the survivors of the worst natural disaster in a generation.
The announcement by Hilary Benn, the international development minister, makes Britain the third most generous aid donor. America has pledged £18 million while Japan has promised just over £21 million. France announced that it would send more than £10 million, while the German chancellor, Gerhard Schröder, proposed a debt repayment moratorium for Indonesia and Somalia.
Aid was also flowing in from countries such as Argentina, Brazil and China. Saudi Arabia is to give more than £5 million, while India promised £12 million. Impoverished Cambodia donated £20,000 to four of the stricken countries
Before announcing the increase in package, Benn said: “We have already purchased 20,000 tarpaulins, 4,500 cooking sets and 40,000 sleeping mats that we are going to get to the region as soon as we can.”
Britain was also sending a plane-load of bottled water to the Maldives, where 37 of the islands have no access to water. Forensic experts have been sent to Thailand to help with the identification of bodies.
The Federation of Tour Operators, which has been arranging the flying of empty planes to the region to bring back stranded holidaymakers, has also started organising the transport of humanitarian aid on the outward flights.
Meanwhile, Britain's charity appeal is being co-ordinated by the Disasters Emergency Committee - an umbrella organisation of the main UK charities. About £1.5 million has already been raised by individual charities, including £630,000 by Oxfam. Oxfam yesterday also sent a plane to Sri Lanka and Indonesia carrying 27 tonnes of water and sanitation equipment.
The British Red Cross Asia Earthquake and Flood Appeal have topped £1 million, which will go to buying and distributing essential relief items. Similarly, Muslim groups in Britain have pledged up to £500,000.
Unicef has said that apart from providing emergency relief, it was sending two flights carrying food and medicine and water purification tablets. Later it will also provide trauma counselling and schooling.
