Tsunami in the Indian Ocean: There are a number of Lasallian Districts which are in or near the Indian Ocean and have been affected in some way by the recent tragic tsunami that occurred there on December 26, 2004. While details are still coming in about the results of the disaster, we will try to give you as much information as we can about direct effects to the Lasallian family in the area.

Indonesia: Our only work in Indonesia is in Manado, far from the area of the country most devastated by the tsunami. We have not heard any information from them.

Malaysia: Br. John D'Cruz reports the following: Since the District of Penang, peninsular Malaysia, is sheltered by the island of Sumatra and not directly exposed to the Indian Ocean, it was relatively safe from the direct effects of the tsunami. The areas most affected were in the northern states of Kedah, Penang and Perlis where unusually high waves were reported. Brother Peter Foo, Visitor, told us: "As far as we know, there have been no casualties among the Brothers or our pupils and teachers. It is only after school opens on the 3rd that we may get news about Lasallians."

India: Br. John Feranndo, President of the Delegation of India reports the following:

"Here in South India, we have not been directly impacted – though some of our good friends and family members who live in the area of Tuticorin and along the coast of Andhra Pradesh have suffered damage. We do not have any reports to date of loss of life among those we know."

"Our School situated in Tuticorin is safe. In some places in Tuticorin where our students are studying only the sea water entered. But no damage. Keep praying for the people, they are in panic."

"The house of the brother of one of our Brothers is damaged at Kaniyakumari and his cousin is missing. Another sad news is that one of our novice's brother who was fishing is also missing. His position is not confirmed. We are hopefully waiting for good news. Kindly keep these two Brothers in your prayers and thoughts."

"After January 06, 2005, we will have our Delegation response plan and we can up-date you on our needs."

Myanmar: Br. Lucas Thein, Aux Visitor Sub-District of Myanmar has not reported any effects of the tsunami as of this posting. As you can see in the map at the left, most of our Lasallian institutions are well inland and would not have been affected by the tsunami. Rangoon was apparently not significantly affected.

Sri Lanka: Br. Henry Dissanayake, Visitor of District of Colombo, reports the following:

"Thank God that all our Brothers and their families are safe. No one close to us has lost life. But two families of sisters of two Brothers have been evacuated for safety. Water flooded their houses. A Swiss volunteer of Boys Town and an uncle of Brother Peter had a narrow escape as they were in the north-east coast when the waves hit there."

"This happened during school vacation and the Brothers normally visit their families this week. So, we have not heard very much from our students or teachers. Areas where we have schools are the least affected. Some houses of the fishermen in Mutwal have been washed away. Several families are staying at De La Salle School. Similarly, some families are being housed in our school at Mannar. They have come for safety. Brothers are helping in the massive relief efforts. As the power lines and telephone lines too were affected on the first day, we could not communicate then."

"Many districts and Brothers have offered financial help. We are setting up a special account to support the tsunami victims. Already we know of two of our helpers whose houses were washed away by the waves. Brother Loorthu's sister's house was completely destroyed. His sister escaped unharmed. We are preparing a report of the damage caused to life and property of those connected to the Lasallian Family. Then we shall help them according to their needs. Since it is a school holiday, news about the teachers and students is coming in slowly. So far we have not heard of loss of life among them. Several of our students in Mutwal have been displaced with their families. Several families are staying at De La Salle College."

"Whatever help we receive will be used to help families who have lost their houses. In Mannar, people came to safer places, but the Tsunami was not strong there to do damage to lives our property, but any help will be welcome."

Thailand: Br. Aidan Kilty, Secretary for Formation, was in Thailand giving a retreat to the Brothers there. He reported the following: "Fortunately, I stayed with the community over the Christmas and was thus spared the horrors of the tidal wave. The devastation has been awful - but Thailand got off relatively light. Br. Tony Cummins was with us until Boxing Day and then he was due to head for the islands - mercifully he didn't go earlier. I am presently in Chanturburi which is on the Gulf of Thailand and so protected from the effects of the wave."

SECOLI involvement: SECOLI involvement: The SECOLI office in Rome is helping to coordinate contributions that are being sent to help those Lasallians affected by the recent tragedy. Contributions to Lasallians in the tsunami affected countries can be sent to:

SECOLI (Tsunami Relief)
Via Aurelia 476
00165 Roma, Italia

(wire transfer instructions)

You can contact the Directors of SECOLI directly via email at the following addresses:
Br. Stephen Tuohy stuohy@lasalle.org
Br. José Manual Agirrezabalaga jmagirezabalaga@lasalle.org
^{(Br. Donald Johanson)}

If you have news notes that you would like us to consider publishing, please email us:lasallew@lasalle.org