Tsunami Relief Efforts

A series of tidal waves lashed the coasts of south asian countries causing tremendous devastation and loss of life. these were triggered by a massive earthquake near Sumatra. Nearly 22000 people are believed to have perished in one of the worst natural disasters of modern times, in nine countries, including India. About 3000 people died in India's Andaman and Nicobar Islands, including personnel of the Indian Air Force and their families. Rediff's entire coverage can be found here.

Check out a comment at Selva's Scientific Indian blog. Certainly seems like some of this loss of life could have been averted by just responding to known warnings.

In the meantime, if folks want to help in relief efforts, the Association for India's Development (AID) is soliciting monetary support. They have already started helping out with efforts by grassroots partners in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. You can make a donation here.

UPDATE
From the Indian Express

After yesterday’s earthquake, there were 90 minutes before the first wave of the deluge crashed into the Indian coast. Within 15 minutes of the earthquake, scientists running the tsunami warning system for the Pacific had issued a cautionary from their Honolulu hub, to 26 participating countries. India was not among them.