TEAR Fund New Zealand launches emergency tsunami appeal

Aid and relief agency TEAR Fund New Zealand has launched an emergency appeal for victims of the South Asia tsunami.

The death toll from the tsunami, which devastated coastal areas of South Asia, has been estimated at 50,000, with thousands more missing and millions without shelter.

Operating through partner agencies in South Asia, TEAR Fund is providing emergency relief, including food materials, utensils, hygiene kits, water purification tablets and temporary shelter.

TEAR Fund New Zealand Executive Director Stephen Tollestrup says, "This is a humanitarian crisis of an unimaginable scale. With many isolated coastal communities still inaccessible, the death toll will surely rise. Relief is required immediately."

Donations can be made by phoning TEAR Fund on 0800 800 777, or online at http://www.tearfund.org.nz

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