1.

As the disaster deepens and the concerned try to mobilise aid where none has been received, or search desperately for the missing, Flickr proves to be much more than a cool photo-sharing thingy.

There is plenty more detail about how online networks (especially blogs) are being mobilised in service of aid for the region in this post at preoccupations .

But, while sympathising with those in the West who are searching for holidaying relatives, I also think of the millions whose access to these information networks has never existed or has now been destroyed along with their homes or the local internet cafe.

2.

I’ve posted the press release below on behalf of a friend. Please circulate widely and help out if you can.

Australian Volunteer worker, Penny Boddington, 28, expected to be challenged when she set off to work in war torn Sri Lanka with a local aid agency. 18 months later, she, and other Australian Volunteers International are lucky to be alive. They cancelled their beachside holiday at Unawatuna on the South East Coast at the last minute. Now they are working around the clock to provide shelter, food, water and medical supplies for the communities hit hardest by the Tsunami. Like hundreds of local and international development workers in the country she has little opportunity to mourn the impact and loss caused by the Tsunami.

“At the moment, I’m just working to try and make sure that immediate relief aid is getting to as many people as possible, as fast as possible? said Penny from Colombo. ?Sometimes I can’t help but to think about the people in villages I work with and whether or not they are alive. But I can’t allow myself to think about this. That is a luxury that I can only give myself next week or the week after.”

Penny works for Sewalanka Foundation, a national Sri Lankan aid agency with offices in all of the coastal districts hit by Sunday’s Tsunami. Sewalanka have been working with poverty stricken and war affected communities for over a decade.

During that time, the organisation has played an important role in responding to conflict borne and natural disasters. Penny explains, “We have strong grassroots networks within the communities affected. This means that aid is getting where it is needed and fast, as we are immediately aware of the most critical needs. No one is unaffected by this tragedy. It has been a honour to work with dedicated and committed colleagues who are responding to a disaster that is beyond all of our comprehension.”

Sewalanka are appealing to people worldwide to give to their national Tsunami appeal. The organisation is already working with foreign relief agencies to administer emergency aid.

However, it is urgently seeking direct funds to assist quickly and efficiently with Sri Lankan people?s immediate needs, particularly those in the severely struck Eastern Coast who have received little or no aid.

Penny says “Yesterday, our Ampara office in the East of Sri Lanka sent word that they had visited a remote and isolated village where no assistance had been provided. Our field staff entered by foot to deliver food as the roads are destroyed. Sadly they arrived to see bloated dead bodies still floating in the water. Whole areas where I used to work are completely destroyed; there are no houses, no trees and no people for at least one kilometre from the shore.”

“I urge all Australians to donate money. My organisation has started an appeal which I manage, but to donate to any worthwhile organisation is critical as funds are desperately needed to meet the increasing food, medical and housing needs.”

Details on how to assist Sewalanka in their emergency relief efforts can be found on their website: www.sewalanka.org

To speak with Penny Boddington in Sri Lanka: +94 777 576 100, sewaweu@sri.lanka.net

To speak with Sewalanka staff on the East Coast of Sri Lanka:
+ 94 777 576 100, sewaweu@sri.lanka.net

To speak with the Australian coordinator of the appeal and awareness campaign: Tanya Notley: 0423 352 534, t.notley@qut.edu.au