I am sure all the readers of this blog are aware of the horrible tragedy that struck South Asia yesterday (December 26th) at apx. 8:30 AM local time. The earthquake that struck to the west of Sumatra registered at least 9.0 on the Richter Scale. This earthquake is one of the largest ever registered in the world.

At this time it is estimated that over 15,000 people have died as a result of the earthquake and the resulting Tsunami's. There are also thousands of people missing. It is probable that when the missing are all accounted for and the clean up is complete the death toll will rise above 15,000. That is an incredible amount of suffering and really beyond my comprehension that so many people are now dead as a result of this natural disaster.

The geographic spread of this disaster is remarkable. The Tsunami's hit and killed people as far away as East Africa. I challenge all you readers to go look at a globe and see the scope of this disaster. People died in Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, The Maldives, Myanmar, Bangledash, India, Sri Lanka, Somolia among others.

The power of nature is immense and what was a beautiful morning in an incredible part of the world turned into a nightmare for thousands and will have a profound effect on the lives of thousands more for a long, long time. Many areas in this part of the world suffer regularly from disasters, caused by both humans and by nature. I don't know the scope of the media coverage beyond what I see here in Asia but please realize that the area of this disaster is huge and that many people are now dead, suffering from the loss of a loved one or are homeless as a result of the flooding or the quake.

Disasters often bring out the best in people as they strive to help those who are less fortunate and I hope this is the case here. I want to make a challenge to any and all readers of this blog. Let's collectively make an effort to donate money to this disaster relief effort. I will match up to $500 in donations pledged by readers of this blog - Please leave a comment with your donation and the group you are donating to.

I don't have any specific information of particular donation relief groups as I am a bit isolated up here in Chiang Mai but the Red Cross is one group that I know will be helping out. If anyone knows of any other groups needing donations please let me know.

I was in Bangkok having breakfast at the time the quake hit but it was only felt in the high rises as they swayed with the jolt. I feel very fortunate to be where I was because I could have so easily been down on the beach in Western Thailand like so many other vacationers and foreigners. I met quite a few people in my first few days at the hostel who were heading south to the beaches of Thailand for Christmas and Boxing Day. Many of the missing and dead in Thailand are foreign vacationers and backpackers. It really makes me think and wonder...

Please keep the victims of this disaster in your thoughts and, most of all, your prayers. They all need help through prayer and through any other assistance you can provide.

Thank you for reading this.