On Sunday, December 26 a massive earthquake caused huge tidal waves to crash into the coastal areas of Southeast Asia resulting in massive flooding, damage, and loss of life. The death toll across the region is estimated to reach 100,000, and this figure is likely to rise in the coming days. Millions have been left homeless. Food and potable drinking water are in short supply. Among the countries affected are Sri Lanka, India, Indonesia, Maldives, Malaysia and Thailand.

In response to this disaster Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) has approved 9 Emergency Grants totaling $90,000 for districts in Sri Lanka, India and Thailand. Additional grant funds are pending approval for other affected areas. LCIF is also setting up a special relief fund to receive financial donations. Those funds will complement what has been approved thus far. Clubs or individual Lions wishing to help in the relief effort should designate their donations to the LCIF -South Asia Tsunami Disaster 2004. Contributions to LCIF are tax deductible. Send contributions to:

In the last 72 hours, $170,000 in LCIF Emergency Grant funds have been dispatched to Lions districts in India, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Indonesia to help the Lions provide food, blankets, water and other relief items.

There are 73,000 Lions in the hardest hit regions of India, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Indonesia on the spot, coming to the aid of those in need. They are working in the affected communities, as well as coordinating with the government at national levels. In Sri Lanka, the Lions have formed a joint commission with the government to expand the country's response in dealing with the critical issues of shelter, water supplies and sanitation. In India, the hardest hit districts in and around Chennai have also come together to coordinate the expenditure of US $50,000 in LCIF funding awarded for districts that cover the coastline from Tamil Nadu north to Orissa.

For Lions wishing to help support these efforts, LCIF has created a special designated fund, the "South Asia Tsunami Disaster 2004 Fund," to receive donations that will be forwarded on to the affected areas. This fund will complement funds already awarded. Funds will be used to support both immediate and long-term needs of the victims. Already Lions around the world are making pledges of support, including US$120,000 from the Lions of Sweden and US$200,000 from the Lions of Korea.

Lions and others interested in supporting this special fund can do so by making a donation to LCIF. In North America, checks can be sent to LCIF. In other countries, funds can be sent directly to the LCI or LCIF accounts. In both cases, a cover note or memo on the check/deposit slip should indicate that the donation is for the "South Asia Tsunami Disaster 2004 Fund." You may also contact your district's LCIF chairperson for more details on making donations to LCIF. If you have any questions, please contact lcif@lionsclubs.org.

LCIF will continue to keep you updated through these bulletins. More funds will be awarded by LICF in the coming days as needs are assessed. Your support is needed to help Lions of the world respond to what is the world's largest catastrophe in modern history.