Tsunami Updates

Bad news is still trickling in from the countries hit hardest by the waves. Today, Indonesia has raised the death toll there by another 50,000 to 166,320. The combined death toll for the region is now over 225,000.

Logistics are improving and the aid is gradually going where it's intended. Still some botched ops, fer sure, but in such a huge undertaking, the HMFIC's are making good progress.

Of course, the fishing industry all over that region is completely screwed - and not just for the reasons that naturally come to mind like lost boats, polluted water from the runoff, etc. There's another far more disturbing reason: the food chain. Y'see, all those people were washed out to sea, right? Now, follow basic Junior High science and you can understand why the locals are swearing off seafood. This is going to have a serious impact on local economies for a while to come, as folks naturally tend to balk at the idea of Grandma being the surprise in their Tuna Surprise.

If you're in a position to help, click here for a list of agencies who are involved in the relief effort.