Press Releases
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesman
For Immediate Release
December 23, 2005
Statement by Adam Ereli, Deputy Spokesman
Anniversary of the Indian Ocean Tsunami
This week marks the one year anniversary of the tragic earthquake and tsunami that killed more than 200,000 people in eight countries and took the homes and livelihoods of hundreds of thousands more. The United States continues to stand with its global partners and friends in the region who suffered such terrible loss on that sad day a year ago.
The responses to natural disasters around the world this past year, including here in the United States, demonstrated that the international community can join together and respond generously during times of distress.
We also renew our commitment to helping the affected nations rebuild their lives. In reaction to the earthquake and tsunami of December 26, 2004 the United States Government responded swiftly and generously, providing $841 million for relief and reconstruction while the American people responded in great numbers as well. According to the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University, private tsunami donations from the United States total more than $1.8 billion. We will continue to work side by side with our partners in the affected countries to help rebuild their lives.
As we continue to help with reconstruction, we join with the people of the region as they observe the anniversary of this tragedy.