US embassy cable - 04COLOMBO2048

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Identifier:	04COLOMBO2048
Wikileaks:	View 04COLOMBO2048 at Wikileaks.org
Origin:	Embassy Colombo
Created:	2004-12-26 12:43:00
Classification:	UNCLASSIFIED
Tags:	AEMR PGOV MV Maldives Tsunami
Redacted:	This cable was not redacted by Wikileaks.

UNCLAS COLOMBO 002048 
 
SIPDIS 
 
STATE PLEASE PASS OFDA 
USPACOM FOR FPA 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: AEMR, PGOV, MV, Maldives, Tsunami 
SUBJECT: DISASTER DECLARATION - TIDAL WAVE IN MALDIVES 
 
REF: COLOMBO 2046 
 
1.  Summary:  Based on an official request from the Chief 
Government Spokesman of the Republic of Maldives and our 
assessment of the situation, the Ambassador declares that a 
state of disaster has resulted from the tidal wave that hit 
Maldives on December 26 (reftel).  The Ambassador requests 
USD 100,000 under the Ambassador's disaster assistance 
authority to respond to the humanitarian needs created by 
this disaster.  End summary. 
 
2.  A tidal wave hit Maldives mid-morning on December 26, 
leaving an unknown number of dead, injured and homeless. 
Chief Government Spokesman Dr. Ahmed Shaheed told emboff that 
two-thirds of the capital city of Male is under water, that 
not a single structure has been left standing on some other 
islands, and that communications have been completely lost 
with some of the remoter atolls.  Shaheed confirmed that at 
least eight people had been reported killed so far, but 
cautioned that casualty figures are expected to rise as more 
information becomes available.  On behalf of his government, 
Shaheed formally requested U.S. disaster assistance. 
 
3.  The Ambassador has been in contact with OFDA Regional 
Advisor Bill Berger by telephone to discuss the situation. 
  Based on the magnitude of the disaster, Post requests USD 
100,000 be made available for disaster relief.  Specific 
targeting of these resources will be determined in 
consultation with OFDA based on further assessment of need. 
 
4.  Based on the evidence above, I declare a disaster 
resulting from the tidal wave in Maldives.  The disaster is 
well beyond the capacity of the Maldivian government to 
respond adequately, and provision of this humanitarian 
assistance is in the interest of the U.S. government. 
 
5.  Action for OFDA:  Embassy requests OFDA provide immediate 
fund cite of USD 100,000. 
LUNSTEAD