Phuket Tsunami Photo Gallery by hellmut issels at pbase.com

Phuket Tsunami

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Wendy K. Dayne		01-Feb-2013 14:51
I guess you were at the right place at the right time... I just saw a movie about this tsunami.. It's called The Impossible.. Anyway, thanks for sharing these photos..

Tim van Woensel		20-Dec-2006 09:47
I've never seen photos of this disaster. It's shocking what nature can do.

Guest		04-Jan-2005 02:07
well... even an atheist requires a God with which not to believe

Ohio		01-Jan-2005 09:49
Thanks for sharing your images with us.

Guest		01-Jan-2005 09:38
the reason why this forum is so full of sickening bullshit is because there is nothing else to say everthing is sounding same did u read the previous pages of comments? its the repeat ppl giving pity ppl talking god ppl thinking being so fucking smart they say no god exists u all can go fuck urselfs maybe u should close down this forum whoever the moderator is pathetic ppl are posting here and making joke of something that happened trying to explain their guilt and pretending they donate everything they got the way the victims lost everthing they had we are all as self serving as each other everyone better raise the bar of their morals if they want to come to a good end

the realist		01-Jan-2005 09:24
2525 dont be an idiot. can u say that u are the good warden of the earth? And god is not love, dont be such a self serving idiot. god is not man, man the only creature that has love. and i dont find that very noble or anything

Aussie		01-Jan-2005 09:17
In an unfortunate situation arose awe-inspiring photos and frankly I have no wish to be in that situation to capture them. Unfortunately I find it pathetic that this site has turned into a political and childish discussion forum on who should live and who should die; furthermore who is responsible is a ridiculous debate. Wake up all those who never went to school, in a nut shell we are ALL living on an ever changing and sometimes unstable planet as these images prove. So be thankful if your families were not victims as many nationalities were lost. And ask yourself, “is you country immune from a similar disaster”.

guest2525		01-Jan-2005 08:35
What I find TOTALLY amusing reading comments God did it. God is Love. It is MOTHER NATURE taking her revenge because mankind is not a good warden of the earth. Why we can't admit the fact, WE created it? Why we pass responsibility to someone? We must be held accountable for our actions. Remember when you drink water from a paper cup you've wasted a tree. This natural disaster has NOTHING to do with the bible. Its Mother Nature's way of washing a portion of the face of the earth. Take the garbage out and take some lives too on her path. If people don't build their home close to coastal lines, very FEW will die. Also POPULATION EXPLOSION! You never think of that huh? God do NOT have to punish humans, we're pretty good in punishing ourselves without help. Greed is our biggest punisher. Not all people that perish in Tsunami are Muslims nor all those countries are Muslims, Thailanders are Buddhist. Are children born in a muslim country deserve to die in that Tsunami? 60% of the dead are children. Never wish ill to anyone regardless of beliefs, race and custom - that ill wish may come back to you and you'll bite your elbow. Pray instead those that survived may gather what's left of their life and rebuild it. Especially the children that had witness that tragedy, it will be a traumatic experience for them and grownups that have seen the death of their loveones but there's nothing they can do to save the person. Consider yourself LUCKY your country was not hit by Tsunami or you'll be singing a different tune.

alarm_clock		01-Jan-2005 08:10
HELLO R U PPLZ GONE INSANE?!?!?!?! this disaster can obviously be scientificly approved, and some stupid idiot is saying sumthing about god punishing us.....i'm not saying god doesnt exist, but i am saying to shut the hell up and try and help the pplz in need of help, not just sitting around a computer debating wether god did it or not....WAKE UP, no one wanted 40K of pplz dead, STOP BLAMING IT ON THE MUSLIMS, and shut up.... thank you....have a nice day : - ) alarm clock

md		01-Jan-2005 07:15
Pleeeeeeeease Heeeeeeeeeelp!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Here are some of the non-profit organizations accepting donations to help those hit by the tsunami. World Vision Salvation Army American Red Cross You will find more, click on links below. Every little bit helps if we all chip in. http://www.usaid.gov/locations/asia_near_east/tsunami/ngolist.html http://www.cbc.ca/story/canada/national/2004/12/31/debt-tsunami041230.html

Jesus H. Christ		01-Jan-2005 06:53
For all of you God freaks, let me break it down to you what happened. One of the Earth's tectonic plates slipped under another creating a large dispacement of water which raced away from the epicenter creating what is known on Earth as a 'tsunami.' Once the tsunami reached shorlines, it lost velocity, but gained power as in entered more shallow waters, displacing even more water. What resulted was an unusually powerful set of waves that crashed upon the shoreline of several countries, destroying everything in their path. Throughout history, this has happened every so often. But only recently due to increasing populations living close to shoreline has it become such a large threat to human life. It is not because "God" is angry or is "punishing" a certain segment of the population somehow, but rather a freak set of circumstances set into motion by the ever shifting planet on which you live. This should not be a time for debate, but rather a time for sympathy and understanding. The losses that the people in this region are facing are beyond comprehension for most of us. Let us put aside are diffrences and find a way to help. That is the most loving thing we can do. - Jesus H. Christ '05

MD		01-Jan-2005 05:43
A fool said in his heart, “There Is No God.” Yet we are all fragile creatures. And whether it is by a tragic way of tsunami, an earthquake, a drunk driver, or old age, one day we will stand before God to give an account of our lives. Two greatest commandments given by Christ 1) Love the Lord your God with all your heart! 2) Love your neighbor as yourself! Please pray for those who have suffered and help in any way you can.

guest		01-Jan-2005 05:28
Hey realist, I am not prejudiced :) after 911, given the chance I would wipe every single muslim off the face of the planet if I could! Talk about a bunch of idiots!!

The realist		01-Jan-2005 04:24
At every stage in world history dickhead christians are thinking that THEIR days are so important that the end of the world happens during their time. Sorry, self centered buttheads, the world is not going to end. Maybe its christianity's days that are numbered.

Lynn		01-Jan-2005 04:13
I agree with "Guest", everything that is happening in this world is all foretold in the Bible. Even in the book of Matthew, Jesus foretold the signs of the beginning of the "last days". Any one out there who's interested -- pick up your bible and read Matt 24:3-14.

Guest		01-Jan-2005 04:10
let me tell you why the death toll was so high it was so high because of u westerners in the 18th century colonials set up ports and populated cities along the coasts of the rest of the world so when tsunamis come so many are killed dont blame god for this disaster, because he dosnt exist blame urself

Guest		01-Jan-2005 04:02
Sola, read the Book of Revelation.

Darren		01-Jan-2005 02:49
Great photos. I have found one on the net which shoes the shorline in Sri Lanka after the waves have gone back out to sea. Amongst the debris (wood, beds, all sorts) in this picture, covering about 100 square feet, there must be 200 bodies. This is the most shocking thing I have ever seen. God bless every soul taken from us this horible christmas!

Kathy P.		01-Jan-2005 02:40
Those are really good pictures.

Guest		01-Jan-2005 02:35
ppl relate catastrophe to religion because the bible relates catastrophe to religion. BURN ALL BIBLES!

Rock		01-Jan-2005 02:20
Ce n'était pas une punition ou un don de Dieu. Qu'auraient fait ces gens pour mériter un pareil chatiment. Je ne crois pas à toutes ces bondieuseries qui disent que nous devons expier pour des crimes quelconques. C'est ridicule. Il n'y a pas de raison pour laquelle ces gens ont péri. Ce que je déplore, c'est que des instruments qui pourraient servir à secourir les survivants servent toujours à la destruction dans un pays proche. C'est vraiment inacceptable de dépenser autant d'argent pour la guerre et d'être aussi pingre pour aider les survivants d'un cataclysme.

Apocalypse Now		01-Jan-2005 02:18
Check this out: http://www.ogrish.com/archives/tsunami_photos_more_tsunami_victim_images_Dec_30_2004.html

American guest		31-Dec-2004 21:36
It used to be that such disasters were attributed to the wrath of God. Today, in an odd inversion that some enjoy to think of as progress, these tragedies are offered as evidence of no God. Sorry to burst everyone's bubble, but we're not going to be able to prove or disprove God's existence. This question is part of the human condition, and there is no way to peek at the answer before your time's up! We will be wrestling with this question forever, and there will NEVER be proof that God does or does not exist. So whatever you believe, try to realize that your belief is likely grounded in faith that not everyone shares. (It might seem like I'm picking on orthodox believers, but you atheists aren't off scot-free either, since no one can possibly prove God doesn't exisit you base your stance on faith as well) Sorry for the diversion, I just wated to make that clarification after reading so many obnoxious comments from the evangelicals and irreligious alike.

guest		31-Dec-2004 13:58
hugh jass you are an ass.a very sick,ignorant ass. you've obviously never really thought much....about anything. i value life in general,i dont lose my shit and philosophy when i come across disasters and pledge my undying energy to the cause.but you,i'm finding it hard to imagine what your worth on this planet is. when you cant have any compassion for anything outside your own skin,i think you're fucked. may someone take pity on you,you fool.

United Aid		31-Dec-2004 05:59
If you are looking for missing person please search our database with photos and list by country: http://www.tsunamithailand.com/

Jose Antonio Santos		31-Dec-2004 05:53
Impressiona-me muito a força da natureza e espanta-me o desrespeito que alguns humanos têm pelas leis naturais. Por exemplo a desflorestação e as suas consequências, tão ou mais destruidoras do que este tsunami, no entanto quase invisível.

Zazu		31-Dec-2004 05:29
over 110,000 dead and people are making jokes. unbelievable. thx for the photos. i hope people contrubute somehow. great editorial in the 31 Dec. Sydney Morning Herald about the tragedy. it puts the situation in perspective. cheers to a better new year for all-

Joe		31-Dec-2004 05:21
To: Miriyam Gevirtz I agree there is a conspiracy in the Western Press. In fact, several papers have reported that in fact there was not a Tsunami and that it is actually a soccer riot that occured. Others say that one-million atomic bombs actually were detonated near Sumatra. I think it has to do with that guy, Ken Jennings, who won all of the money on Jeopardy. Ever since that happened there have been some pecuilar things occuring in the world. I'll keep you posted. Joe

Guest		31-Dec-2004 05:02
Hello-I'm unable to read the type in blue on a black background; but, I wonder if you could use your considerable reach and photographic skills to post for all those looking for loved ones the pictures that have been taken of the dead. We see many videos of the waves and the people mourning but we cannot get a close up of the dead and I understand this is deliberate in the Western press. Thank you, Miriyam Gevirtz Santa Rosa, CA MGevirtz@cs.com

anonymous		30-Dec-2004 17:19
I love seeing comments such as there is no God. And how could anyone believe there is only one way. Because everyone knows even when they are making those comments that deep down inside they know there has to be a reason why we are here. Right now someone reading this has already stopped because the simple fact of the matter is we love our sin more than we love a God we havent even researched. Someone who has read this far is thinking, wait a minute I have researched and I believe there is no God. Might I add with mental fingers crossed. It is our responsibility to find out why we feel that way even when we deny we are created. Even when mathematically we cannot explain evolution. Even when we know that if we were not accountable to a higher power, we would be relying on our own understanding, morality, and the way we were raised. Thats the beauty of it. If you are willing to try and understand why you exist, and why you love, and why you hate, and why we kill, and why we torture, and why we have that never ending feeling of incompleteness. Then you have the resources available to make a logical conclusion. I personally am not going to take that risk. And lets just say that I live my life the way Jesus intended and I die and I come back as a dog. I hope I have at least one memory of a life lived to its fullest. I am here for a reason. Now persecute, or decide, or deny, but at least think. Sincerley

Guest		30-Dec-2004 16:53
We created "gods". This is because the human race didn't know how to explain the unexplainable. We created 'science'. Now we have the foundation and intelligence to try to explain the unexplainable. Let's say there is a Christian God, what makes this the end all be all 'religion'? The only reason the Bible is so wide spread is through force of hand. I don't hate 'religions' I dislike people trying to tell me or others that "This is the way" when in fact they are only narrowing your mind. If we all helped each other equally the world would be a much better place. It's all that we have and know of, make the best of it.

Harry Bunz		30-Dec-2004 16:52
I believe this was caused by aliens trying to soften us up for an attack. I for one wish to pledge my support for our new alien overlords.

Guest		30-Dec-2004 16:36
This tradgedy saddens me. Some of the comments on this gallery also saddens me. For those how do not believe in God, why does it bother you so much that we believe in God? Why is there so much hate? God does not punish. Our nonjudging God has love, compassion, grace, and forgiveness. All the things we should have for each other here on this earth. There is tradgedy everyday around the world. Big or small it is all a part of life. Maybe we should look at this as an eye openner that we all need to pull together as a family. Love and Help each other the best way each of us can. This is only a temporary place. It is up to us how we want to live it. Life is to short to many people take it for granted. Death is not suppose to be such a horrible event. If you do believe in God, you know you will be going to a wonderful place after this life. We all have a purpose in this life, WE have to figure what that purpose is. So please open your hearts to each other and God. Stop judging and blaming God. He does not do that to us. Melissa

S		30-Dec-2004 16:32
Guest... I am NOT sending viruses. There are numerous viruses that spoof email addresses. I may be many things, but I do NOT send viruses. I advise you to look somewhere else. Besides, this is just an invented address, it's not even really Hillary Clintons.

Guest		30-Dec-2004 16:15
mailto:HClinton@sen.us.gov<---- WARNING: This person is sending virus's to the email address's on this forum. I recieved one.

VIP		30-Dec-2004 16:13
My posting is more important than yours!

tony		30-Dec-2004 16:11
This is the first time I have posted anything on a forum. To the victims and there families I send my deepest regrets. Due to the things I have read here, I have been compelled to respond. There are some Americans that are not happy with the actions of our government. The exploitation of 9/11 is a good example. When I read about people trying to invest in companies that produce bottled water to cash in on this disaster, it demonstrates to me that no matter what nation, religion or philosophy one subscribes to, one is still a human being. Some good, some bad, people are the same everywhere. In my experience, mostly bad. I'm no angel myself, but I don't believe in celebrating Christmas because I try to help people every day, not just a couple weeks out of the year. I don't know much about Muslims or the doctrines, but I'm sure I would agree with some of them. Christians have a good book to build morals and values, but few apply themselves the way Jesus did. After reading these posts I see that even though Americans are viewed as spoiled rotten children, we are no worse than any other nation. People are people where ever they are. Wisdom has left this planet. To those that try to capitlalize on other's misfortune, watch what you say and to whom. If I hear you, I will humiliate you so bad, you will never recover. The white man stole America from my people, now he seeks to take the world. This will happen because there is not enough people with the courage to try to stop it.

Guest		30-Dec-2004 16:10
Dot Kahm, The US is a country that should keep its nose out somethings: eg: Canadian Health system and using the "Patriot Act" (some silly law that over steps privacy) as an excuse to access it. 3000 People (9/11) is a lot and no one who got killed on that day deserves it. However, the US Government and Military then displaced 100's of thousands in Afghanistan and Iraq. Justified? Hardly. The US is not as clean as you make it out to be. Ready your own History, its just as nasty. Eg: The Balangiga Massacrehttp://www.bibingka.com/phg/balangiga/default.htm

Ray		30-Dec-2004 15:20
It's interesting - to me, anyway - to note that you can see human tragedy at any point on this webpage. In the pictures, and in the print. People get so offended at the ordinary nature of humans, and the format of an internet message board only magnifies it. There will always be Bible (or Koran, or whatever) thumpers, religion-thumpers, I should say, and attitude-thumpers, and nation-thumpers, and prejudice-thumpers, and a general helping of those who say "I know what I'm talking about and you (lesser than me) don't know shit." And there will always be people more than willing to speak up who have the dignity and grace and patience and understanding of two-year-olds with a bad case of diaper rash. The fact that so many posters choose to ignore the tragedy of the pictures is also human nature, like it or not. Face it - little children starve to death every single day somewhere on this planet, generally due to some form of human neglect. Today, yesterday, pick a day. Pick a day in the future - any day. Little children will starve to death on THAT day. If humanity chose to define that fact as unacceptable, it could be attended to. Could have been attended to at almost any point in our recent history, for that matter. But it wasn't, and it won't be. It isn't general human nature, or it would have happened already. We are not a species that pulls together to solve general human problems, despite what we'd all LIKE to think. What IS general human nature is to fuss and fight and demean each other, and presuppose that one's own position or worldview is, of course, the correct one. So, to help out humanity in my own small way, I offer this fill-in-the-blank format to speed up postings. Insert your favorite word, phrase, slang, or derogatory comment in the proper spots: "Well, I never! I am offended by the (...) comments of (...). What an (...) The honest truth of the matter is that (...) is THE ONE AND ONLY WAY to (...), which just so happens to be MY way. If (...) weren't such a (..., ..., ..., ...), with an I.Q. aspiring to that of a trained monkey, (...) would be forced to see the truth. And the rest of you, by the way, are a bunch of (...)." There you go. Cut and paste, and fill in the blanks. Much easier.

Angelo		30-Dec-2004 15:10
(The original) Twelve Stars is right. And too bad that someone now sends fake sick comments in Twelve Stars name! Twelve Languages Speaking European PS. Rot Op!

Peter		30-Dec-2004 15:02
Hello all, I am not normally a frequent visitor to forums of this kind, but now that I do read one I feel a strong urge to comment on a couple of things. The discussion on this page is strongly dominated by religion, which surprises me greatly. Natural disasters strike at random, and can (usually) be explained by natural science. There is absolutely nothing supernatural about earthquakes or tsunamis, and I really do pity all of you who think otherwise. Religious beliefs can influence people in many positive ways (particularly people whose level of understanding does not suffice to embrace more rational models for explaining why and how events occur, and people who cannot motivate themselves to do good things for other reasons than religious ones), and I urge everyone who believes in a divine entity of some kind to channel those positive forces to try to help the innocent victims of the disaster in Asia. However, attempting to use your god (who/whatever it may be) to explain the events which have occurred is damn right insulting (both to the god and to you fellow humans). So please don't. Moreover, I see frequent references to the World Trade Center attacks which occurred on 11 september 2001 on this page. Other than the fact that innocent people died who should not have had to die, these events do not, as far as I can tell, have anything whatsoever in common. In general, the american tendency to always draw parallells to "9/11" in every situation is a little naïve if you ask me; if you widen your perspective a little (maybe look outside your borders for a change) you will find that "9/11" is not as significant as you make it out to be. Two interesting things can, however, be noted: 1. The attack was indirectly caused by the foreign policies of the United States. 2. Like most dictatorships around the world have done in similar situations, the US has done its very best to exploit the tragic WTC attack to achieve its own goals. I really had not expected such a scientifically advanced country to act in such a nefarious way! Let's only hope the Tsunami disasters are not successfully put to malicious use by anyone (some people have already tried on this page!) and that we can do our best to avoid disasters like the one in Asia in the future. /Peter

Businessman		30-Dec-2004 14:59
I agree wholeheartedly twelve sarts: Let's clean up the internet. Let's do away with all this childish stuff! We need a civilised internet dedicated to profits. Money! That's the thing! We could make so much money instead of wasting all that bandwith on chieldish nonsense! @Mona Lott: That's not the kind of business i had in mind, too risky, also tourism is down for this season anyway. I was more thinking along the lines of investing in importeurs of mineral water. I think clean water will be scarce now, a good time to raise prices and really reap some profit.

Twelve Stars		30-Dec-2004 14:05
I can't believe this. A few days ago I commented these picture, as so many did with respect and sadness. Now I see that everybody is fighting over some obscure 'Seu' comment, which indeed is pretty sick to read. People like 'Seu' (probably a kid) still can send mails to the whole world, without revealing any real identification. If we want a freedom of speach society, lets think about a code of honour. * * * This also gives to reflect about the very medium of internet, which can only become a true 'civilised' medium, if used be 'civilised' and 'adult' people. Don't you agree? Lets clean it up! The Twelve Stars of the European Flag

Al		30-Dec-2004 13:04
I know I let some steam out before but I have to make it clear. I am no better than any of you as a human being or better than any of the victims of the tsunamis or better than the the terrorists that caused 911 and no better than what you would consider the lowest of the low. If I could have just one wish, I would gladly lay my life down if I knew it would bring back all the victims of this disaster and all the other disasters of the world and all the victims of war and crime. I always find my self asking god or an entity of higher intelligence( I don't want to offend anyone), take me and spare these people I would take their place in a heartbeat. Thats the way I am. You can insult me and pass me off as crazy. It doesn't matter to me. I don't like to see people suffer.

Mr Smith		30-Dec-2004 12:45
I am not much of an internet user, but today I decided to have a flick for any helpful sights on the recent tsunami disaster as my 16 year old sister-in-law is half Sri Lankan. She has many family and friends over there. Only 7 months ago she visited the town of Gall (maybe miss spelt-sorry) to spread her late fathers ashes with her relatives. I must say how disgusted I am with quite a few of the stupid bigotted comments. Religion, colour, third-world, 9/11 etc., has absolutely nothing to do with the unfolding events of recent. You all (bigots only) sit at your computers in your comfy chairs thousands of miles away and feel compelled to slag everyone off because they don't have the same beliefs as yourself. Get a grip, there is no one to blame! The world is full of so much hate and all some of you can do is spread it. I am not religous, but I do sometimes wish to thank someone that so much pain and hurt has never touched me. Over the last few days I have seen so many families ripped apart by what has happened that it's brought tears to my eyes. Can you imagine what it's like for a kid of 9 years old to have his family snatched from him and then for them to have fend for themselves in a land that's just been wiped off the map. So next time you want to say, "we're better than you", why don't you look in the mirror when saying it and keep your mindless opinions to yourself.

Sandor		30-Dec-2004 12:20
"You know I've had enough of this bullshit. i'm going to leave and rape some kids like i do all the time. I may even fuck a pig or dog today just to feel better" didn't post this either ...this is my last post ...fucking assholes i wish in future natural disasters you're family and friends will turn up dead and then you can think back about your posts here .... i just had word from thailand that 2 of the 3 people i'm looking for are ok ...now i still have to find 1 ....

lobbe		30-Dec-2004 12:08
"I am going blind from playing with myself too much. I keep shitting myself, because my sphincter has lost muscle control from being stretched WAY beyond it's natural limits. To top everything off, I'm finding my grandparents very attractive and I'm thinking about raping them. " I did not post that and I won't post anything else, so every post with my name is a kind demonstration aof a hopeless dickhead in action. Bye.

lobbe		30-Dec-2004 12:05
I am going blind from playing with myself too much. I keep shitting myself, because my sphincter has lost muscle control from being stretched WAY beyond it's natural limits. To top everything off, I'm finding my grandparents very attractive and I'm thinking about raping them.

lobbe		30-Dec-2004 11:56
How many sick bastards trying to have their 1 minute spotlight! People like sue and other hopeless dickheads trying to get attention on themselves and revealing a lot about their otherwise miserable life...and those trying to put it in a economical and/or political point of view? A tsunami disaster is a good occasion to speak about money and politics and hide themselves what even rocks know about US administration and whatsoever... This is too much. Bye. PS: these photos are a great source to let people understand (at least in a small part) what really happened.

Mona Lott		30-Dec-2004 11:54
I think we need to unite and replenish the supply of Asian whores and hookers that were lost to this tragedy. Businessman, this might be a good area of investment. The few remaining sex trade providers will be able to elevate prices until replacement whores can be brought in.

Businessman		30-Dec-2004 11:37
Hi, since the forum is shot to hell anyway: Does anyone here know how to play the stock market on this? I mean, ok, the major impact already happened, but i think there's still a lot of opportunities. Also, like someone already suggested there should be lots of cheap properties to buy now.

Sandor		30-Dec-2004 11:30
You know I've had enough of this bullshit. i'm going to leave and rape some kids like i do all the time. I may even fuck a pig or dog today just to feel better.

Sandor		30-Dec-2004 11:26
I did not post this : Sue...after reading your posts agaion, and actually stopping to do something I rarely do...think; I now believe you are right on target. It is one thing for me to preach here and not actually DO anything, but at least you donate a good prtion of your hard earned money to help alleviate the pain and suffering of these people. You continue to do that if it makes you feel better, and I'll continue up here on my soap box. I am also sorry for calling you uneducated, because unlike me, you use correct spelling, capitalization, and punctuation, and are obviously more educated and intelligent than I am. but i think every person that reads this realizes that some people just want some attention even if the world is in the state it is currently in ... am i right Sue ? hahahahaha i honestly feel sorry for you ....got you most feel lonely as the dutch would put it : STAKKER !

Sue Nommy		30-Dec-2004 11:20
Alex... I give money to people I don't know because they need it, it is the right thing to do, and it is within my means to do so. I hate people I don't know, because unfortunately I do know them, and others like them. I do not consider myself part of this "Internet Culture" I came here merely seeking out pictures of this tragedy. Other than at trade oriented technical sites, I never post on forums or blogs or anything like that. The sheer pompousity and ignorance compelled me to goof on the posters. Was it the most mature, ethical, or caring things I've ever done...hell no. But as I said, instead of sitting doing nothing but posting, I actually did something to HELP the people hurt by this tragedy, unlike more than 90% of the "caring" people here. In the grand scheme of things who did more, people posting there feelings and concerns, but not helping, or me writing obviously fake goof posts, but helping out with a rather large donation to help alleviate suffering?? Hmmmm I wonder. I also must say, unlike most, your post seems rather thought out, intelligent, and non-accusatory. You probably don't fit in the generalization I made, and I apologoze for heaping you in there with mouth breathers. Also, as an aside to others that posted in response to me...I'm not black, and I'm not female. Sue Nommy (as mentioned before) is a Pseudonym (sue-doe-nim to help most of you) that means it is a "fake" name. Mmmmkay.

Tomm		30-Dec-2004 11:17
I think sandor has the perfect attitude towards this whoile issue, but these are just crap talk and there is no need to apologise. Are u Indian? Anyway, everyone chips in and does their part in aiding the victims of this disaster where i live and there is no need to feel proud of it, and much less need to display it as a buttress for an argument.

Tomm		30-Dec-2004 11:10
I live in the region and i am sure that everything is safe the places not hit by tsunami is safe 4 travelling and i would not hesitate to go there myself. in fact it is safer, now that a rare ND has happened in the area. Personally, i would think that the regions can rebuild better resorts now that the old ones are down

Sandor		30-Dec-2004 11:09
Sue...after reading your posts agaion, and actually stopping to do something I rarely do...think; I now believe you are right on target. It is one thing for me to preach here and not actually DO anything, but at least you donate a good prtion of your hard earned money to help alleviate the pain and suffering of these people. You continue to do that if it makes you feel better, and I'll continue up here on my soap box. I am also sorry for calling you uneducated, because unlike me, you use correct spelling, capitalization, and punctuation, and are obviously more educated and intelligent than I am.

sam		30-Dec-2004 11:04
I am from the UK,I have seen some of these pictures in one of our national Papers, in particular VA7U0479.JPG this poor guy was later found dead on a beach later that day, I am going away in 8 days to Hong Kong, Bali (where i am getting married) then onto Thailand, we were going to cancel our trip but was talked out of it by a friend who lives in Bangkok, we are now taking extra clothes and supplies with us and will be offering our help when we get to Thailand, without pics like these we would all be none the wiser and just be getting on with our lives without a care in the world, some news coverage and pictures in the press really wrenched at my heart and i am only to willing to help where i can, to all concerned keep up the great work. and to all you numb skulls blaming each others religion or god, this was nature rearing its ugly head, it happens and all we can do is learn from it and help when we are needed. Thanks for listening / reading

Sandor		30-Dec-2004 11:00
" quote the sue bitch again : I posted some obvious fake comments yesterday, and you brain dead dipshits turned it into everything from "Well this is why everyone hates America" Why the fuck would you make fake posts on a topic like this ? and yes everybody hates america because of people like you ...but you just donate away and buy of your fricking guilt trip ..take another Mcburger you black pompous uneducated .....neverfucking mind the rest .... btw i'm not a believer in any sorts and don't understand some of these god and jezus post ....seems like those people don't know the history of what they call christianity

au naturale		30-Dec-2004 10:57
your pics certainly capture the drama that unfolded before our eyes,however may I point out that this was a natural phenomenon, these events have been going on,on this planet since time immemorial. Millions (maybe a bit out there) of years ago most conitents were as one , something cataclysmic happend to seperate these continents and different land masses appeared. Is Mother Earth deciding it's time for another change? My heart goes out to those who are suffering through this natural Disaster.

hellmut issels		30-Dec-2004 10:52
On Jan.6 there will be a CHARITY NIGHT in SINGAPORE at the INDOCHINE RESTAURANT FORBIDDEN CITY at Clarke Quay. For details please seehttp://www.indochine.com.sg/eflyer/atv/ or contact Camilla Hall by email at:c.hall@portelet.com

Guest		30-Dec-2004 10:50
The destructive power of these walls of water are almost beyond comprehension. The pictures leave you speechless. Its even hard to have a decent conversation because the words are so few and inadequate. Someone made a comment about the Free Republic, well there's a post over at that site (assuming its freerepublic.com that was referred to) with the title "Chilling Photo of a Past Day: Alone -- Man Faces a Tsunami in Hilo, Hawaii on April 1946"http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1309506/posts that at last count had 3600+ views. Not too many comments, but i'm guessing that this world catastrophe pretty much overshadows where people stand politically, religiously, and spiritually. Since water (H2O) is in the majority and the land we build our homes and cities and villages and farms on is in the minority, all of us, as these pictures vividly show, are vulnerable. Thanx for posting the pictures.

Tony Persson		30-Dec-2004 10:48
I am now staying in Phuket I did not have the power to read all the peoples words, but I do think that the things most of the people say in this place is pure bullshit. I am here and I dont know if I have yet understod what happened?!?! Friends and family phone me up frequently and want me to come home to Sweden, but I work here and want to stay. I do not belive in God and I think the people who do is STUPID. Talk about Satan and Christ, That is for me funny, how can someone be so stupid to think that one guy is sitting in heaven and deciding whats gonna happen on earth? God Good, Satan Bad....Right? This is bad what has happened and I think all the people in the world have the same value, why cant everyone just get along and realize that we live on the same planet together? I hope that everyone get a better year next year! Take care....

Alex		30-Dec-2004 10:42
"Goof" post it is then: Sue, why would you give money to people you don't know and hate people you don't know? While I'm at it, have you got anything better to do than be a de factor member of an internet culture you pretend to hate? You're an average ripple on the internet at best, but without you we'd all be below the surf.

Tomm		30-Dec-2004 10:39
hi shermaine chong im from singapore too my sister is studying in CHIJ st nicks although obvious my name is fake

Tomm		30-Dec-2004 10:34
hey sue nommy, u black nihilist! are u black? To hell with tat, no wonder africa is such apoor continent, filled with ppl like u! and are u so flippant? then why u so attracted to this board, comin back agn n agn like some giggolo?

Dom		30-Dec-2004 10:29
> God/etc/muslims/911 guys, you cant compare this to anything.. I wont take a philosophical stand here [god/religion/revelations/etc] (however anyone who says something as stupid as "kill all muslims" deserves to be ignored. don't let em get to you, I am saddened to say I share this USA with these misguided 'patriots'). whatever,drop it, that doesnt belong on this forum anyway. go read some plato, then come back and see me. anyway these are the first decent pictures I've seen on the net, nice work, though it must seem hollow to have to have taken pictures of such a tragic event. its necessary to have these photos to show others firsthand what kind of proportions we're talking about for this, so don't feel guilty about that. also depending on your host, you might want to mirror these up somewhere in case the site gets slashdotted (or worse). I'd suggest Coral http://www.scs.cs.nyu.edu/coral/), which is this free webcache thing, so your gallery's coral mirror would be this: http://www.pbase.com.nyud.net:8090/issels/phuket_tsunami&page=all -Dom

Tomm		30-Dec-2004 10:28
I do not have a religion, so i am insulted by whoever who talks god. Are u saying tat u need god to luv others? Shame on u! Anyway, i do believe that some lives are more important than others, like ppl in developed countries more important. Looking at it LOGICALLY, "God" intended 4 us not to acknowledge him, go abt our daily lives, and carry out their calling. Thats what made the wuld advance thru 6k yrs towards modernism. whichever religion that adapts itself to modern ideas-liberalism, kerry is my god" will triumph! why did the Christians fail in the crusades? because the Muslims were more interested in the advancement of science, while the christian fundamentalists were pretty stupid, maybe hoping 4 divine intervention. Looks like america is losing its wealth to the wuld bcause of the conservatives and evangelicals and BUSH- a hitler in his own untyrannical way. he could actually curb freedom of americans with their support! Sounds like hitler or mao! U idiots noe who mao is? the tsunami is unfortunate. if the countries were richer, they could have that system to cut casualties. It is a random disaster made catastrophic by a lack of money and modernisation. but still, it is very bad, so everuone donate now!

Sue Nommy		30-Dec-2004 10:12
You People are amazing. The sheer idiocy shown here is amazing. I followed some links to this site, to see some first hand photos. I saw a few posts and started reading them. The "Internet Culture" has to be the biggest bastion of idiots, fools, and asshats that I have ever seen. You have the hand-wringing, whining crowd..."Oh my this is so terrible, I pray for everyone hurt by this" You have the religious zealot crowd..."This was obviously sent by God" You have the self righteous pompous religion hating crowd..."There is obviously no god, and anyone who believes in god or religion is stupid." You have the pony tail and granola, tree hugging liberal crowd..."If only rich countries would have helped more, this could have been avoided, but there are only poor countries here, so the West doesn't care, boo hoo hoo." I mean come on people. I have such utter disdain and hatred for all of you posting here. I posted some obvious fake comments yesterday, and you brain dead dipshits turned it into everything from "Well this is why everyone hates America" to "This person is obviously from Free Republic, and and evil conservative" Guess what assholes, I don't look down on the people that died, and I'm not a member of the vast right wing conspiracy, or a member of Free Rebublic. I donated $1500.00 to the Red Cross relief efforts, what have you dick weeds done? Nothing, you post and you post and you post, and preach about bullshit. I've got some advice for you bung holes, get a job, move out of your parents basements, and for Crissakes, throw your Apple out a friggin window and get a real computer. I despise and loathe all of you, and all that you "stand" for. Except for those posting "goof" posts, because you obviously get it, same as I do. You can all kiss my Black Ass.

Anon		30-Dec-2004 10:04
Remarkable pictures. VA7U0465.JPG in particular is extraordinary. Not just in its timing, but in its composition. I take my hat off to you for putting these up on a publicly accessible website rather than selling them instantly.

Franz		30-Dec-2004 10:02
Hi Hellmut. I am all day down cause of the victims of the tsunami. Can´t immagine this catastrophic outcome. Your pics are partly very emotional so that they could be used for local media. Can you send me your e-Mail-Address? Best wishes, hope you are allive and healthy. Franz

geologist		30-Dec-2004 09:42
First of all i deeply feel sorry for all the dead people and all who lost everything they had. This is a real tragedy, beacause some of the people could have been saved if there would have been a seismic warning system like in the Pacific region! The big difference is, the indian ocean region has "only" poor countries sourrounding whereas the pacific region hostes Japan and the USA. For this catastrophe there is no one to blame! It is pure and simple geodynamics and it happened befeore and it will happen in the future. Everybody who don't believe me please take a look in a Geology texbook and you will understand. For the future i hope now that the people of the world understand that the most valuable good they have is their life and everybody should enjoy it. I hope that the different affected countries with their different religions and points of view do understand this simple fact and try to work together to fight poverty and take precautions for future catastrophes. From the rest of the world i hope they will help as goog as they can and will use all their facilties to warn the countries in the future. There is e.g. a network of seismic sensors all over the world, but they were installed to controll the nucelar tests and because some the important countries did not sign the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty - CTBT the data are secret and can NOT be used. This has to be changed! I hope we will have a more peacefull and less catastrophic 2005!

Matt777		30-Dec-2004 09:29
Oh and Joe.... God has absolutely nothing to do with Catholic priests or anything Catholic. That is a guarantee. There is one mediator between God and man and it is Jesus Christ. Not a man, not a pope- who is the most blasphemous man on earth for claiming to be equal to God and claiming to be able to forgive sin. This is why they worship Mary (Satan's best disguise) because they have no connection to Jesus. The Catholic Church's recently revealed sins of abuse are timed perfectly by God to show the world what is truly at the heart of this church. it is clearly not Jesus or his father, the creator of all. It is written that in the end times people will succumb to the false doctrines of demons who forbid certain foods and forbid marriage. It is also written that it is better to marry than to burn with passion. The Catholic church forbids marriage and we have seen that thier men of sin do burn with passion.

Matt777		30-Dec-2004 09:14
Wow you guys! Everyone is really going at it here! I found this site due to a link that was posted on a discussion forum in a thread about this disaster. I'm in the northwest part of the U.S. and have been watching all the coverage of this terrible event. Very sad images coming back showing what you all are going through. I hope everyone says a prayer for the victims and that they can find strength to get through this somehow. I guess I'm posting because there is some weird talk going on here about religion and Christianity. The first and most important commandment is to love God and your fellow man with all your strength- to treat others as you would want them to treat you. "Be under obligation to no one - the only obligation is to love one another. Whoever has done this has obeyed the law. The commandments, 'Do not commit adultery; do not commit murder; do not steal; do not desire what belongs to someone else' - all these, and any other besides, are summed up in the one command, 'Love your neighbor as you love yourself'. If you love someone you will never do him wrong; to love, then, is to obey the whole Law" - Romans 13:8-12 No matter what people who CLAIM to be Christians do or say the fact reamins that God is a God of love and there is no such thing as third world people being lesser than anyone else. In the Bible they are referred to as the Gentiles just as billions of other people in the world are who are not part of ancient Israel. Salvation from the Lord Jesus Christ is available to both "the Jew and the Gentiles". Anyone who is racist or judgemental and treats someone worse than they would want to be treated is not acting as part of the body of Christ. For example, murdering innocent civilians in an unjust war or insulting people here, from the safety of your home. The question was asked, "Why did Jesus not prevent this Tsunami?" There are many natural disasters that happen all around the world (especially earthquakes, like in Turkey and elsewhere) that take a lot of lives. The earth has a mind of its own. Also, the Bible clearly states that in the ends times there will be major increases in wars, rumors of wars, natural disaster, famine, and pestilence. These are signs of the end times. Humans have had 6 thousand years to acknowledge God as creator- to acknowledge the ten commandments and to start loving everyone equally to bring about world peace. The time has elapsed and the signs are clear that the tribulation is approaching because man does not care about God. The book of Revelation says that "four horsemen" will be realeased who will cause wars, famine, pestilence, death from natural disasters etc. If you have a personal relationship with Jesus and try to pass his love along to others then you will be protected from the tribulation... however I don't know that this is necessarily the tribulation- this is probably just the time that is leading to it, which began with World War I. Anyone who acknowledges that there is a God has to also acknowledge that when your life on earth ends it is not the end of your spiritual life. If someone is not acting out of love they are not acting as a Christian. I guess that's it.

Makes u think		30-Dec-2004 09:13
now first of all i want to say that i am not a religious person, however given the circumstances i feel the need to pray tonight before i go to sleep...now for just one moment can we all take a break from our ego-maniacal purposes, and our ingorance and not compare this tragedy to others...this is the worst tragedy in the recorded history of mankind, this has literally changed the size of the earth as well as the earths rotation and geographic location of some of these islands, take a moment to ponder the magnitude of this event...the earthquake in 1989 was an 8.0 on the richter scale...this was a 9.0, that makes the quake of december 26th, 1000 times as powerfull...as powerfull as 1 million atomic bombs detonated at once under water...so for mercys sake lets at least respect it.

Sandor		30-Dec-2004 08:55
To Chris ( another Idiot ) "If god were really capable of doing something like this, then he would be better off wiping out the muslims. " What the hell do you think indonesia is ...a christen nation ? Loser, first know what you are talking about then make a comment ....i hope you loose your job and then die of hunger

Sandor		30-Dec-2004 08:52
To the person that wrote this : I know that more than 90 times the people killed on 9/11 were killed with this. You must however look at all the facts. 9/11 was caused by man, this was natural. On 9/11 3,000 people were killed, but they were AMERICANS, these are 3rd world people, they are not as valuable as Americans, if you use the ratio that I use, of 1 American to 10000 of these "dirty" people, then you can plainly see that 9/11 was a MUCH greater tragedy, and this event barely deserves mention You are a fricking idiot ! you'r kind of people are the ONLY reason why terrorist exist with your narrowminded point of view , I bet you voted for bush didn't you , come on admit it ! ...How do you get the f*** idea to compare this to 9/11 .... " valuable as Americans " " 3rd world people " you do NOT deserve to live ! I'm still looking for some people in those countries ! I've you would happen to appear to be dying I WILL NOT DO CPR on you !

chris		30-Dec-2004 08:50
If god were really capable of doing something like this, then he would be better off wiping out the muslims.

Missing Person Search		30-Dec-2004 08:43
United Aid has open a free service for relatives and friends looking for missing person in Phuket area. http://www.UnitedAid.org/ http://www.tsunamithailand.com/

Human		30-Dec-2004 08:29
Gary Ray...thank you for the link.I greatly appreciate that.I couldn't imagine what it must be like to have actually been where this different footage has been taken. Thank you again, Human

Human		30-Dec-2004 08:21
Yes, I am a Jesus Freek.Yes...that is the correct spelling. In my dialogue I never put anyone down and I never put any religions down.I wrote earlier about how I believe Jesus loves you all and that I don't think that I am above anybody.I think God could have stopped this from happening and He didn't.I don't find myself wise enough to debate Him.Most of you are probably wiser and could give Him some advice when you find time in your schedule.I am really thankful for the blessings that I have in my reasonably happy life and find His grace and love comforting...especially in times of trouble.If me sharing this in a non hateful and non self righteous manner disturbs you....too bad.I live in a country where I have this freedom.If the ten commandments bother you, well maybe you should move to Iraq, Iran, Russia or some place where you could get a break from my ignorance. Do you believe that religion should be taught in public schools? In the U.S. it is! Most people don't know which one. Don't worry though....it's not the ten commandments or anything associated with the Bible. Most people at this point all of the sudden aren't concerned any more. Yeah...I think through Jesus is the only way to a relationship with God. I stick with the winners and Jesus won victory over death.A lot of people are dead, are dieing, have lost loved ones, have lost limbs, etc.I think Jesus can comfort all of these people beyond what I can do for them. I am only a human who can never attain perfection of the ten commandments in action and mind both, at all times.Anyone who has told a little "white" lie all the way up to murdering someone and you realize you are poor in spirit(flawed, imperfect)..don't look to me for redemption...Jesus is "thee" man. Hey Joe...or joe@iammyowngod.com , in love and with compassion....you are the guy being swept away by the water in those two photos.I hope you make it man...just put your arm out and Jesus will pull you onto the balcony!!!I was that guy too! I hope for God's will in your lives. I am poor in spirit and a citizen of heaven....not earth.

Buxtehude		30-Dec-2004 08:16
With nearly 100,000 souls rec'd home, it is our desire that you, the reader, should seek for the goodness in each other, and seek for peace within yourselves. To do any other wise is to deny the gift of this planetary experience which has been granted you for your growth and betterment. Those that claim to follow in the tradition of The People of the Way can find nowhere justification for their fear-mongering and hatred disguised in self-righteous posturing. They are the most disappointing, in that they commit the greatest sin, hypocracy. In so doing, they deny me with every breath they take. They live not by The Golden Rule, nor are they Children of the Light. Truly, the whores & 'filth' of the world are better than these, for they do not lie to themselves. I see all.

Buxtehude		30-Dec-2004 08:11
With nearly 100,000 souls rec'd home, it is our desire that you, the reader, should seek for the goodness in each other, and seek for peace within yourselves. To do any other wise is to deny the gift of this planetary experience which has been granted you for your growth and betterment. Those that claim to follow in the tradition of The People of the Way can find nowhere justification for their fear-mongering and hatred disguised in self-righteous posturing. They are the most disappointing, in that they commit the greatest sin, hypocracy. In so doing, they deny me with every breath they take. They live not by The Golden Rule, nor are they Children of the Light. Truly, the whores & 'filth' of the world are better than these, for they do not lie to themselves. I see all.

Greg		30-Dec-2004 08:08
It is really disappointing that so many people would argue so fiercly with each other, and hurl electronic insults across the web while almost 100,000 people are dead or dying. I think that everyone needs to take a step away from their keyboards for a moment and reflect on what is important. Once we've all finished reflecting we need to keep our immature, ranting thoughts to ourselves. Please don't forget that this is a photo gallery... not a debate on whether religion is the cause of, or solution to our problems, nor a debate on which religion is the right religion. ************* 8 months ago I woke up in a bed that doesn't exist anymore; inside a bamboo hut that has now been washed into the sea; on a beautiful secluded beach on Ko Lanta (a smaller island in Thailand that faces the direction this tsunami came from). I know that that same bed had at least one person in it, and quite possibly two on the morning of Dec 26th, and that those people are most likely dead. If they are not...they are lucky. Plain and simple. I don't care what the fanatics who post here say...I'm just happy to be alive, and I'm happy that I get to see my girlfriend again tomorrow. You should be too. So stop it!!! Please. *****Greg*********** p.s. I do think that Helmut's photos are quite spectacular. Isn't that the point of posting comments on a photo gallery?

Gary Ray		30-Dec-2004 07:58
To Human and all those looking for tsunami disaster downloadable video. The best site I have found is URL (http://waxy.org ) * phuket.wmv (11MB) - shot from inside a restaurant, waves engulf older couple clinging to railing before flooding entire room * patong_beach.wmv (10MB) - rooftop view of two huge waves battering buildings along shore, then flooding of city streets * sri_lanka.wmv (7MB) - upper balcony view of hotel swimming pool area getting flooded as observers run away; woman asks "how high will it go?" before retreating * koh_lanta_thailand.avi (11MB) - shot on beach level; watch as first wave grows and crashes, before cameraman's frantic retreat away from shore * penang_beach.wmv (1MB) - shot from wall above beach, three men are caught in battering waves * sri_lanka_resort.wmv (6MB) - upper level hotel balcony; restaurant, pools, and deck flooded as people cling to trees; two men narrate what they see Good Luck - G. Ray

han		30-Dec-2004 07:58
it's an awful thing to have happened and i'm really thankful that mr hellmut issels uploaded his pictures within an hour. thanx man. to any who might be interested to find out more, pls visithttp://www.channelnewsasia.com/ it's a news station based in singapore with a focus on news from an asian perspective so it should be very helpful. i am really thankful that, despite being so close to the epicentre, we at singapore are spared by sheer geography, being sheltered by the mountains of sumatra and penisular malaysia. i will pray for all who are lost and missing as well as the families, relatives and friends of those who have lost their loved ones to the raging torrents of water. although it appears that hope is diminishing for those still missing, i'll pray that as many return safe as is possible. lastly, to the families of hundreds of singaporeans still missing in phuket, don't be too sad should it turn out the worse. condolences.

to beckie		30-Dec-2004 07:51
Beckie, do you find strength in God? Yes, off course you do! Find your strength in your inner self, this way you will rely on Natural forces, not superficial once.

Chuck		30-Dec-2004 07:37
A lot of nuts out there but that creep Becky takes the cake !

Guest		30-Dec-2004 07:31
omg- this is the most incredible and disturbing series of photographs i think i've ever seen... my thoughts are with everybody over there. -oh and you know what i think is just as bad as self-righteousness and stupidity? ... the inability to shut up, especially when you don't know what you're talking about... ignore this comment and all below

Tito		30-Dec-2004 07:29
Incredible pictures, you have done a service to us all, however, the talk about G-d having something to do with creating a natural disaster is so pathetic it probably shouldn't even be commented on, but that is the way of the religious right who have kidnapped the process, and this is coming from a conservative.

BS		30-Dec-2004 06:59
We all know that the world is about 90% idiots and anyone who can possibly make fun of this situation is either just looking for a rise, is about 10, or is really a dickhead. Don't get so caught up in some dipshits dumb ass thoughts. This situation is horrifying, I have friends there, I know that most people aren't as stupid as the asses posting here.....

Eve		30-Dec-2004 06:45
Eh ? wot da 'ell goin on now ? people in my country been fuc*ed up,and thing gone shit.But some of lunatic come to this page and post crap thing on here.. for god sake ! ps...Im goin down to south for help people who still alive and I will tell them that I will never live them ! Peaceeeeeeeeeee

Guest		30-Dec-2004 06:29
live and let other live

Christina		30-Dec-2004 06:15
If anyone will give it will be those of faith. Even those of other faiths because giving is a common goal in most all religions. Thank the Lord for that. That said : There is only one religion that is right. Why would God have needed to send Jesus to die and come back for our sins(by the way even non-Christians knew of Jesus) if we more than one religion was right. IT is about time you people Respected our religion as well. The constitution gave us freedom for religion NOT FROM religion. I feel very sorry for you and those who are like you that do not believe in anything except for their "right" to cuss, drink, have endless sexual encounters with others, and murder babies inside the womb. But I do pray for you because unlike you I still love you because the Lord made you and loves you. Sincerely, Christina

Guest		30-Dec-2004 06:14
BECKIE THIS IS NOT THE FORUM TO DISCUSS THIS STUFF YOU MORON...Yep....now I am being dis-respectful

Beckie		30-Dec-2004 06:07
To: Guest First of all, I am not ramming anything down anybodys throat. And you want to talk about respect? I have not posted anything disrespectful about anything or anybody elses beliefs. But YOU sound a little disrespectful, and then to claim to be a Christian?

Davo		30-Dec-2004 06:04
My heart goes out to all the families effected by this disaster and all the people who have died. Please do not feed the trolls who post here and it would be great if this guestbook could actually be closed.

Guest		30-Dec-2004 05:55
Thankyou for your voice of reason Richard. This comment is a most welcome break from the "wanker" zealots that are using this forum to ram their religious beliefs down everybodys throat. To everybody who is posting Christian non-sense in this forum....there are many religions in this world...respect them. Personally speaking as a Christian YOUR EVALNGELISM MAKES ME SICK.

J.L.M.A.		30-Dec-2004 05:53
The photos are amazing. It is so difficult to believe that this could happen in such a short period of time with no warning, and take the lives of over 100,000. It certainly confirms the fact that we should never take anything in this life for granted, for it could all be gone tomorrow. I agree with Richn. God did not make this happen. It was a consequence of natural events taking place in the tectonic plates. This shifting takes place quite a bit unbeknowst to the inhabitants of the earth as shifting does not always cause as severe an event which would be noticeable to us. All of us should be as generous as we can be in giving to the organizations which will be doing relief work in this area.

Joe		30-Dec-2004 05:50
Beckie, two words for you.... Fairy Tale

Joe		30-Dec-2004 05:46
To: Me Again Your message earlier: "why can't this happen to France... constantly? " Absolutely the funniest thing I've ever read. Nice work my friend.

telford elliott		30-Dec-2004 05:45
My people believed that when the world was getting over populated a plague or a war would break out. This is nothing more than a natural occurance and this will not be the last. Im just sorry for all the death and destruction. Those photos you took Helmut i sent on to friends and family,as i said i would. They were appreciated because they know u never get the real story on tv news........thanx again Helmut............Telford

Beckie		30-Dec-2004 05:39
I do have a life!! And a blessed one it is. I thank God every day for all things. I am not some self righteous religious freak. I am far from perfect and need to ask God to help guide me and lead me every day. I am a 39 year old wife and mother of 2 children, and I have cried many tears for those people who lost thier lives in this disaster, and for those who are left behind grieving for their loved ones. I am very saddened by anyone who chooses to ignore the facts written in the Bible. It is all true and it absolutely is not a Fairy Tale!!!

Richnbear		30-Dec-2004 05:36
what the heck has god got to do with the photos, did he take them ? if not why all the talk about some sort of christian god, perhapes we should tell all the muslim, hindu, budist, and all the other regional religions that the christian God was responcible, thjat way the wave can return and we can all go fly planes into buildings knowing that GOD is on our side. while the people of the region suffer, you wankers are on about GOD, do get real. Richard

Shermaine Chong hui yan		30-Dec-2004 05:29
hi just want to send my condolences t those that are dead from the stupid disastrous tsunami..

Jim Knapp		30-Dec-2004 05:26
Most of you are missing the point. America is the largest Christian nation in the world and that is the way the founding fathers intended it to be. Put God back in the schools and put Jesus in your hearts and wake up before it is to late. The tsunami was not an act of God but it is an opportunity to show we Americans have what it takes to be compassionate with our work, money and time and show that our hearts are in the right place. Will we? In the main I doubt it. If we don't we will surely miss the opportunity of a lifetime to show France, Germany and Russia where our priorities are as well as all the Islamic nations of the world. We cannot do enough but will we even try? This is an opportunity of immense proportions to show we are Christians by our love. That means taking the time and effort to help in any way we can with relief and also to take back the country from the psuedo Christians that we see on Christmas and Easter and then they disappear. Jesus will be asking "Where were you when I was in the hospital, prison, starving, hungry and lost?" What is you answer going to be. Watching the TV and shedding crocodile tears. This is our wake up call.

Shermaine Chong hui yan		30-Dec-2004 05:26
hi everybody..just want to make friends with you guys...i am from singapore..erm..from CHIJ st nicholas girls school..just wanna say that i am very pissed off with those pictures..fuck them..

to beckie		30-Dec-2004 05:23
Beckie, get a life!

Saru		30-Dec-2004 05:18
It's so sad this has happened. My sincere condolences to all those bereaved families. To the people who are victims of this tragedy "May their souls rest in peace". Whether we term it as Act of God / Natures fury, at the end of it we've about 1,00,000 lost lives. This certainly isnt good and at the most we can learn a lesson how to deal with such disasters (ofcourse at the cost of those 1lakh lives). It is apt that we global citizens pray for the lost souls and contribute to our mite to help the victims. PEACE TO ALL.

Beckie		30-Dec-2004 05:17
Alot of you people are on here blaming God for this disaster. I do not believe anyone should blame God for anything bad that happens. Take a good hard look at this world we live in. We as human beings are disobedient to the Lords word, and we will see many more disasters before the second coming of Jesus Christ. Just open up the Bible and go to Matthew 24. This is just the beginning of the worlds sorrows. Every prophecy in the Bible will come true, and this is exactly what is taking place right now. Just think about it, all kinds of out of the ordinary natural disasters have been happening accross the world. Nations at war with one another, the decline of decent morals, famine and disease. If anyone who reads this, does not know Jesus Christ in a personal way, I pray that you soon will. Those people who were swept away into the waters on that terrible day, had no idea that would be thier last day possible to turn their lives over to the Lord. Please don't wait another day, because you may not be given the chance. May God be with you all!!

me again		30-Dec-2004 05:17
why can't this happen to France... constantly?

steve-o		30-Dec-2004 05:15
Ah puhleeze... the religious psychos and the political psychos are running away with their idealistic bullsh*t. It was a bunch of big waves... it can happen anywhere, anytime. Maybe it's nature's way of clearing out some of this overpopulated rock we call Earth. Don't bother giving to charity- you know why? Because the money doesn't get to those who need it. Do you know how much the execs at Unicef and Red Cross make? I've seen UN "disaster relief" and what I saw was UN flunkies selling the supplies, including the vehicles in which the food and water was to be delivered. Just be glad you aren't dead and live your life. And for all you religious freaks- how can you be so clueless? It's a friggin FAIRY TALE.

Guest		30-Dec-2004 05:11
OK slightly off topic, but where do you put your $8000 (not counting the lens), 16 megapixel, Canon EOS-1Ds Mk II when you want to go for a swim?

dude in tahialnd		30-Dec-2004 05:07
What does God has to do with all this? Do you think God=Nature? Or do you think Nature is God? Nothing of a kind! All is a product of uncertainty principal and this devastation could’ve happened any where in the universe and does happen all the time, I’m sure. How about the death of Dinosaurs? Was that God’s or Nature’s deed, I wonder? Boy, were they pissed at either during what was happening then! Or were they pre-historic men angry during the ice age? If they were, who did they blame? One thing’s for certain, they didn’t need freezer trucks to keep their bodies intact before they decomposed so the forensic scientist could identify them and send them home…

seets		30-Dec-2004 05:06
I fell all lives are equal..... no prefix (be it "american,indian,indonesian,french or british) makes a difference to teh word LIFE... innocent people have lost their LIVES..... thats what counts at the end of the day!

Seets		30-Dec-2004 04:59
Hi, Under developed countries such as those which have been affected by the Tsunami Tragedy did help the 911 victimes in ways that they were capable of. As far as 911 is concerned, U.S was quite capable of handling the tragedy on its own in terms of financial needs and requirements..... AT the end of the day it doesnt matter whether the tragedy was caused by an INTENTIONAL terrorist attack or an UNINTENTIONAL act of nature's fury...... what matters is that innocent lives have been lost.... children have been turned orphans.. families have become homeless....and we could have been one of them...

Tim		30-Dec-2004 04:52
Is nothing sacred to you people? Especially those of you who try to lay claim to being Christian? Is this what you call Christian? To use this appalling tragedy as just another forum for tasteless jokes about public figures whose politics you happen to dislike... oh fugetaboutit. You're all so convinced of your righteousness you would never understand me anyway...

Johnny		30-Dec-2004 04:49
Al, you raise a great point. It's hard to separate tragedy from politics but there is not a lot of sympathy from me for Indonesia. They are a haven for terrorists and many of you will remember the Bali bombings that killed over a hundred foreigners.

Christine		30-Dec-2004 04:46
Great pics Ridiculous forum discussions Joe is correct on all points ... And people - you gotta drop this "God" thing - it's killing us all ... God is a figmentation of your imagination.

Al		30-Dec-2004 04:37
I don't claim to be better than anyone else. But alot of people here are talking like they know it all, and have the answers for everything. Well tell your egos to shut up and realize that this disaster was an act of nature just running it's course at the wrong place and time. Believe me, I don't mind helping out by sending a donation but it's funny when 911 happened(and I live in nyc), I didn't see any of these nations that we are helping digging into their pockets to help us. I'll even bet alot of these people were cheering when the towers collapsed. Yeah I know you can't compare the numbers as far as deaths go but 911 was an act of terrorism. and thats over 3000 murders comitted in an instant. That aside, I just love the ones out there that need a reason to blame God for every disaster. God does not interfere with free will and that includes in my opinion, Nature. If God was to interfere with free will, we would all be living in a world wide Utopia right now in perfect harmony with no hatred, predjudice, cruelty, pain, suffering, etc. You know-it-alls out there need a big wake up call so pull your heads out of your cracks and face reality.

Reese		30-Dec-2004 04:18
The earthquake and tsunami were not acts of God. They were acts of nature. That is unless God is merely a euphemism for nature. If that's the case, then they were acts of God. Since there isn't a uniformly accepted definition for God, it can only lead to some people being misled by bringing up the term with respect to this discussion.

Scarlett		30-Dec-2004 03:59
sits, stunned, looking at posts Most of these posts are constantly about what God IS and IS NOT doing and what he should and shouldn't be doing. Why are you wasting time worrying about that? God is God, he knows what he's doing, I wot. But what are you doing, worrying about him? Start doing something yourself. You can pray your heart out but come on, you've got two hands, two feet, and a brain. Go and use them.

Joe		30-Dec-2004 03:57
Rich Adams, You are 100% correct and I am glad you have come in here and pretty much summed up what everyone else was trying to say. What I am doing right now is that slow clap they do in movies when one guy starts clapping slowly and then others start to join in and then the entire audience is clapping vigorously. So far, nobody else has joined in but keep the faith brother...keep the faith. Your friend, Pablo Escobar

Rich Adams		30-Dec-2004 03:46
Geez. After reading through the majority of these posts, there are indeed quite a few misguided souls in this world! I'm saddened by this tragedy no more and no less than I would by any other of this name. People died... some who might have deserved it if you feel that you are in a place to judge, but more likly they died not deserving it. To speculate upon God's perspective is not only pointless, but likely insulting to the core of religion. Acceptance, Tolerance, and Compassion are the fundamentals of nearly any religion. Let's all embrace this and be less judging about other people and other situations. People died, and as humans we are naturally saddened. The learning from this event is both personal and deferred. Each one of us will take from this event what we will, and far be it from another to attempt to pollute this process with thier own personal agenda. My thoughts and prayers and good will go out to everyone and anyone touched by this tragedy. Thank you Hellmut for providing these images to allow us each to connect on a more personal level to the details of what occurred.

Joe		30-Dec-2004 03:13
Frank, frank, frank. My I call you Mr. Furter? I'm curious at what point did you check out and leave your mind to the big J.C. No silly, not Javier Chavez your gardener, I'm talking about Jesus Christ...aka. Mel Gibson...aka son of God....aka Bubba. Jesus completely let these people down. Not since the goal keeper for Liverpool has any entity on this planet done a worst job covering the goal. J.C. was on point and he let ...oh...I don't know....a ga-billion gallons of water flood have the coastal region of Asia. J.C. is not as reliable as he used to be and I sincerely question is committment to being the holy spirit. Anyone who still waves at his flag has serious issues in my book. Also, on a less scale, where was J.C. when all of the Catholic preists were molesting small children who would later go on to solid careers such as: alcoholics, child molesters themselves, suicidal hopeless people, and delivery drivers for Pizza Shack? Next to George Bush, J.C. is the biggest disapointment of the century. Seal it. Zip it. Dial 1-800-NOT-HOME for more information on how J.C. has abandoned his gullible followers. Let there be Joe.

Eli Finkelstein		30-Dec-2004 03:09
Thanks for sharing these photos!

Joe		30-Dec-2004 03:05
Have any of you people been to Thailand? Although it is a country with much beautiful it is also considered one of the ashtrays of Asia. The amount of prostitution, transmission of AIDS, and illegal drug trafficing is staggering. I know a lot of religious people are here and the bible would state that this GODs way of cleaning the planet. I also know there are a lot of non-religous people here and they would say that the survival of the fittest is in full operational mode on the planet. Frankly, I think most people are overhwhelmed by this because they can picture themselves on vacation, lying on a beach, and getting taken out by a Tsunami. Finally, how come all the sudden attention and outpouring of emotions for this tragedy when 20 times the number of people that died in Asia die every year in Africa due to AIDS? It is no less significant, it simply doesn't get the media attention 24/7 by CNN and MSNBC. Let's fact it, we are a media society and love a good story. Scoreboard: Jesus 86,000 People of Asia 0

Frank		30-Dec-2004 02:59
Awful, sad pictures. People being swept away. People dying. Horrible. A few brief comments on some posts here: Emma - "some people need to get their priorities right". Yes we do ..... Yes we do. "the whole point that this disaster was a result of science" Maybe "science" was the result, but what was the cause Emma" And why has God not chosen to intercede? Let us not forget who is the only one who can stop diasasters like this from happening in the first place. Jesus Christ, the Son of the Living God. But often we are deaf to His callings and blind to His presence. And that is where the problems with humanity and the world begins ... Jesus is the Creator of everything. Therefore, He is the sole author of "science" Emma. That automatically makes Him the only person we can go to when this fallen world has gone out of kilter. But He will not force us to do that. That we have to do of our own free will. He's waiting Emma ........ Sebastian - "ask yourself if the Pope or Jesus are doing enough" Wrong question my friend. Instead, ask yourself if you're doing enough, or if anything you did in your own spiritual life has helped to bring on these disasters. That's the right question. "Why isn't the Pope excommuniting all the members of the US administration" First off, the act of "excommunication" only applies to Catholics. To all the members of Congress who are not Catholic, they would not be bound by any of the Pope's decisions. "Jesus would have to take just one minute out of his busy schedule to Pull JPII aside and say I think it is time to excommunicate Bush". As I stated above, the Holy Father only has spiritual authority over Catholics. Pres. Bush is not Catholic. Even if he was, "excommunication" is the worst that the Pope could do to him (or any other catholic). And "excommunication" means that the catholic is no longer allowed to receive the Sacramants of the Church . As a human being, the person has their free will to leave the Church and reject Her authority. "Doesn't he have a direct line to Jesus?" Yes he does. Christ gave him that special relationship when He gave only to Peter, our first Pope - "The Keys of the Kingdom". "Would it be a miricle if the Pope received just a little but of instruction form Jesus?" Yes it would be a miracle, and it happens every time when the Pope teaches us on Faith and Morals. This is a miracle that every pope recieves continuously. Guest - "it's DIVERSE, not DIVERS, you jack***" Cute, really cute. That's an example of a soul speaking w/o charity. Someone quotes from a book that a billion people call Holy, and you go and ridicule his spelling. Uh huh. Jesus is waiting for you too my brother ...... Terri - I admire your faith and conviction. I myself am a Christian of the Roman Catholic Church. But in times like these, where catastrophe has struck tens of thousands of people, we have to be a little careful about how we exteriorize our gift of faith. I believe that you are quite sincere in your desire to help others realize that we have received Justification by Christ's dying on the Cross for us. But there are times to act, and there are times to preach/instruct. Given the IMMEDIATE need of those tsunami survivors whose lives still remain in peril, right now has become the time for allowing our Christianity to speak through our actions. And as you well know, these actions are made through Prayer & Sacrifice & Giving. The people in Asia are in immediate and desperate need of our help. Now is the time that Christ is especially looking at His flock (as well as ALL His earthly people) to see how they will act/react. May God have Mercy on our souls ........

Terri		30-Dec-2004 02:55
Awesome pictures. It's almost enough to make you wonder what person in their right mind would stand around shooting pictures under those conditions!

amherst		30-Dec-2004 02:27
Please please please do NOT contribute to humanitarian organizations for this disaster. Huh? Pick an organization that you feel confident of -- Doctors Without Borders, Catholic Relief Services, Direct Relief, International Rescue Committee, Catholic Medical Mission Board are among the most reliable -- and give EVERY MONTH. One problem (I speak from a little experience) is that aid poors in today, but three months from now when just as many people are homeless, sick and starving the world has moved on to the next crisis. Best thing would be to let this inspire you to research and pick out one or two international relief groups, and set a consistent goal for yourself (whether it's only 5 bucks or 50 bucks a month, whatever you can afford), and make it your monthly, regular, ongoing, lifelong commitment personally. Maybe organize a little study group in your parish or church congregation or school (teachers -- great current events project to pick an organization and follow it through its magazine and mailings)to raise a check every month. DON'T send "stuff" -- as nice as it feels, its mnot as helpful as cash (these big outfits get massive donations of drugs, for instance, from drug companies, and don't need your bottle of Tylenol), but DO send cash -- they get the food and drugs donated, but not the money to transport it to the disaster site, and YOU can provide that transportation money. Also, make it a POLITICAL ISSUE. Two years from now (does anybody have a memory left), when your local congressman/congresswoman is running for re-electuion, and stops by your ROtary Club lunch, or your Garden Club contest, and takes a few questions, let somebody else ask about Social Security. YOU ask, what have you done to help the dying in Darfur? What's your position on debt relief for Sri Lanka after the tsunami? Will you support a bill for an expanded Peace Corps presence in Indonesia? etc.

White American		30-Dec-2004 02:21
I don't know exactly why it is not completely clear to everyone, but the types of comments made by "Sue" are specifically designed to make you angry at the "Sue" stereotype. The person who wrote that message most likely believes the exact opposite of what was written, and probably HATES white, christian Americans - and so designed the posting to make you also HATE white, christian Americans. Therefore, getting mad at "Sue" and those she designed to undermine (the white, christian American stereotype) is just being gullible. Please don't be gullible and respond to that kind of posting, it makes you sound very un-intelligent to be taken in by such an obvious ploy. There are indeed many people that want you to believe evil things about Americans... just as there are people that want you to believe evil things about liberals, and jews, and muslims, and hill-billies, and Hollywood producers, and photographers who take pictures of tragedy, and japs, and on and on and on... so let me give you some advice: If a jew tells you all muslims are evil, rest assured, the jew is evil (not all, just that one). If a muslim tells you all jews are evil, the muslim is evil (not all, just that one). If a red-neck tells you all negros are inferior, laugh at them - cause you know the red-neck is evil (not all red-necks, just that one). If a Democrat tells you that all Republicans in the midwest are uneducated, religious fanatics, then the Democrat is an idiot fanatic (not all, just that one) you get the picture... And the point is, you don't need to argue with idiots. And most importantly, don't assume that just because one is an idiot, everyone that looks like them, or lives near them, or talks like them, or worships like them must be idiots too.... that makes you the idiot. Yes, I called you an idiot if you generalize anybody (that means all of you racists and liberals). There is one exception of course, I am not an idiot and therefore can generalize all of you as idiots for reading this long of a post.

Kenny		30-Dec-2004 02:15
Well said Charles123

Guest		30-Dec-2004 02:13
Act Now. Don't sit on the sidelines Do something positive and donate to a humanitarian relief org like the Red Cross. Stop the Fights Dont be negative like some are behaving. Don't just keep posting flammable comments and start some flame wars on pbase.com DO SOMETHING Lots of people have died and many more need help to rebuild their lives in many countries. Most of us have much much more than these affected people who have lost shelter, and loved ones. 50,000? 100,000? I want to ask you to help prevent more lives from being lost from disease, hunger, infestation. Give some money today. For instance, the Red Cross can take credit cards for donations starting from $5. www.redcross.org Go argue some other time. Please be civil. Those will not directly help the victims of the tsunami. Think before posting and starting another flame war. Will that help someone in the affected area? Most of us are sitting comfortably in our seats typing and clicking away. With clean water, food and shelter available for today, next week, and next month. Those poor victims have lost so much, I can't imagine what it must be like to go thru a calamity like that. Donate today to help someone over there. Be compassionate. Be civil online. Act instead of just talking, typing, typing. If u have contributed. Thank you for your compassionate heart and caring soul.

L.Chandler		30-Dec-2004 02:03
Hi do you know of any groups trying to go over and asking for volunteers?? I have tried to find some but I am having no luck. Please if you have any info that would be great! Otherwise thank you anyway and i will keep searching around to see what I can come up with.

Kenny		30-Dec-2004 02:01
Well, my dear friends from this world. I almost never post stuff on forums(maybe I don't have a life eh) but I'm curious to know why so many people are throwing such snide remarks at one another. Such wasted energy, better spent on DOING something more beneficial to the people affected by this disaster. So far, what I've seen are people preaching how good each of own factions are(be it religious, political, racial, country etc.) Not that I point a finger at all the people writing in this forum. Some people are truely commendable and all of us have to try and make a better effort to put aside our differences. Please stop bickering and put the energy to better use. I do what I can too. Thanks :)

mmi		30-Dec-2004 01:54
Thank you for the pictures. I notice people are using this to make political statements for or against America....as if that has anything to do with anything. This is a horrible natural disaster. It's happened before...it happens in history. Period. Then some people are saying 'why did God choose to allow this to happen? answer: I don't know. Who can possibly know? I know God is merciful. Many of the perished were poor humble people, so they go right to heaven, and many who were on holiday for religious festival too.....good people doing their religious duty. God is good. If you have to die (and we all do) then dying in worship is good. As far as the humanitarian challenge...this is something he calls us all to rise to... He is actually challenging us who are not hurt to come to the aid of those who are hurt. The nations of the world are capable of doing so much TOGETHER for this terrible thing. I know I will be giving double my usual amount to catholic aid for this disaster...and of course my prayers. As easy as I give an 'answer'...I know it isn't enough. I am no philosepher...just an american housewife with 10 children, who looked yesterday at the photo face of an Indian mother of 11 children, all washed to sea, and and I cried for her. I can not begin to understand or fathom the terrible anguish. I just know that God is God...and he IS good. I just don't understand everything. have faith that he gathered the souls of the perished into his arms. They are safe in him and give to the charities you know will help the survivors. And as one 'poster says: "don't feed the trolls". I see MORE good caring people on these boards expressing love and concern and promises of help and prayers then anything. That HAS to mean something. God bless. mmi United States of America

scarlettmarsden@mac.com		30-Dec-2004 01:44
There is a lot of hurt and pain currently enveloping the world, fighting one another, whether face to face or on forums such as this isn't going to help anyone. Countries come and countries go, bu not matter what country you're from it's all the same. We're all from the same productive system, we're all created the same. Cease this fighting, and the hurtful, spiteful comments. Thousands of people have died on account of this, so many children become orphaned, mother's been TORN from their children. Instead of trying to convince everyone that you're right and everyone else is wrong, put your pride and your patriotism aside for a moment, you can always go back to it later. No one is right, no one is wrong, each country is doing the best they can at any given moment in time and if you're leaders aren't doing what you want them to do then accept it, and if someone elses leaders aren't doing what you want them to either then ppht, get over it. Unite, stop the fighting and the anger. There is no use for it. If others aren't doing what you want/like, then YOU go out and do it. Volunteer, donate, pack your own bags and board a flight and go over and help. This gallery is beautiful in a dark and sinister way, and in a natural disaster there is no one to blame, no where to throw your anger at and tell someone it's 'their fault'. But that's okay, because instead of telling someone 'it's your fault', tell them 'lets go out and help.'

Human		30-Dec-2004 01:43
For clarification my previous dialogue was to Joe joe@yahoo.com in response to a question he had posed to my original input.I thought I had put that in the subject line, yet it didn't appear. I have been searching for more video and photos of this catastrophe and haven't been able to find any. Can anyone direct me to newer ones on the net? Thank you and I hope we can all be in this together regardless of different convictions!

Sebastian		30-Dec-2004 01:40
http://www.globalpolicy.org/socecon/trade/subsidies/2004/0921subsidies.htm If US agri-buisness corporations stopped stealing from India, about 333 million dollars per year (with or without Gods help). India would easily be able to afford its own clean-up bill. Remember the UN is hoping to raise about 1 billion US dollars for the total clean-up operation. The Stingy US government has offered less than 50 million US dollars. In God we trust to help us steal with one hand and give with our other's pinky! Seb

Dan Chusid		30-Dec-2004 01:39
Instead of leaving comments here, act! . . This is a list of the different agencies that are reaching out to help the victims. Hope this helps you as you reach out to help others. ActionAgainstHunger - 212-967-7800 -http://www.aah-usa.org/ American Jewish World Service - 800-889-7146 -http://www.ajws.org/ ADRA International - 800-424-2372 -http://www.adra.org/ American Friends Service Committee (AFSC Crisis Fund) - 888-588-2372 -http://www.afsc.org/ Catholic Relief Services - 410-625-2220 -http://www.kintera.org/htmlcontent.asp?cid=41794 Direct Relief Services - 805-964-4767 -http://www.directrelief.org/index.html Doctors Without Borders - 888-392-0392 - www.doctorswithoutborders.org International Medical Corps - 800-481-4462 -http://www.imcworldwide.org/index.shtml International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies - PO Box 372, CH-1211 Geneva 19, Switzerland -http://www.ifrc.org/ International Orthodox Christian Charities - 877-803-4622 -http://www.iocc.org/ Lutheran World Relief - 800-597-5972 -http://www.lwr.org/ MAP International - 800-225-8550 -http://www.map.org/ Mercy Corps - 800-852-2100 -http://www.mercycorps.org/splash/ Network For Good -http://www.networkforgood.org/ Northwest Medical Teams - 503-624-1000 -http://www.nwmedicalteams.org/ Operation USA - 800-678-7255 -http://www.opusa.org/ Relief International - 310-478-1200 -http://www.ri.org/ Save The Children - 800-728-3843 -http://www.savethechildren.org/ United Nations World Food Program - 202-530-1694 -http://www.wfp.org/ United States Fund for UNICEF - 800-486-4233 -http://www.unicefusa.org/site/pp.asp?c=duLRI8O0H&b=25933 World Concern - 800-755-5022 -http://www.worldconcern.org/ World Relief - 443-451-1900 -http://www.wr.org/ World Vision - 888-56-CHILD - www.worldvision.org . . . . - DC

Aram Gerstein		30-Dec-2004 01:16
Thank you for sharing these pictures.

L. Chandler		30-Dec-2004 01:15
Hmmmmm Emma that comment was about as highly unintelligent as alot of the other comments made on this sight. Americans on a whole are all different (just as i suspect you are different from your British counterparts) made of many diverse ethnic backgrounds and many different religions. I myself have never stepped foot in a church but do not mind a persons religious comments as is that is there right to say something because that is what makes us the United States because we have the freedom to do so . Sometimes a persons comments are not well thought out (such as yours) but that is their right to say so (just as you have) But sometimes you just have to realize when someone is an idiot and not bother and you maam are an idiot!! As for the religious comments and everyone arguing......

L. Chandler		30-Dec-2004 01:14
Hmmmmm Emma that comment was about as highly unintelligent as alot of the other comments made on this sight. Americans on a whole are all different (just as i suspect you are different from your British counterparts) made of many diverse ethnic backgrounds and many different religions. I myself have never stepped foot in a church but do not mind a persons religious comments as is that is there right to say something because that is what makes us the United States because we have the freedom to do so . Sometimes a persons comments are not well thought out (such as yours) but that is their right to say so (just as you have) But sometimes you just have to realize when someone is an idiot and not bother and you maam are an idiot!! As for the religious comments and everyone arguing......

Terry		30-Dec-2004 01:05
I, an American, have not lost sight of the tragedy. Did you read my intro and ending with the prayers for the victims. What science caused this, science doesn't cause calamities in nature, it only tries to describe them and understand them. Why the American bashing- we give more $$$ than any other country, free more people, using our $$$, leave the country up to you, ask Germany, Japan, France, Afghanistan. If it wasn't for our country monetary help would be a lot less. Just ask the private Christian organizations who are giving help now without governmental intervention. CBN is helping now as we write this, for they we're already helping in those countries, they had bureaus in Jakarta and India mobilizing immediately. It's easy to hate us yet we still love ya and will help despite the animosity towards America because it's the right thing to do! Love ya'll, from the American South- you know- us red-necks.

Regan		30-Dec-2004 00:53
Look it up "Guest"!!! It does say DIVERS places. Look it up, Mathew 24:7.

Emma (british)		30-Dec-2004 00:51
what a surprise that this forum has been dominated by a discussion about religion, politics and probably worst of all americans. you seem to be missing the whole point that this disaster was a result of science and is a great tragedy, some people need to get their priorities right.

Guest		30-Dec-2004 00:42
it's DIVERSE, not DIVERS, you jackass. as in Various, which is the word used in some translations.

Sebastian		30-Dec-2004 00:37
And while you research don't forget that Bush's crusade in the middle east is reaching crisis point and that the US Admin (incl. 1/2 US mums and dads) are spending hundreds of billions of dollars to maintain the illegal occupation in Iraq even though no WMD cababilities where found just to try to support their own economy that is sinking. In your research varify or not that The UN whole relief effort will be less than 1% of the amountspent on the ocupation to date, even though the same UN has estimated that the damage bill is one hundred times this amount. Don't forget in your research that there are suitcase nukes around and that it is probably just a question of time before it is too late for some of us due to this escalating violence. Finally in your research ask yourself if the Pope or Jesus are doing enough. Why isn't the Pope excommuniting all the members of the US administration for putting our lives at risks, for using words like crusade to justify the illegal occupation and for being idiots by not sincerely helping those in distress when they are in a position to. Doesn't he have a direct line to Jesus? Would this be a miricle? Would it be a miricle if the Pope received just a little but of instruction form Jesus? It would just take 1 minute .... Jesus would have to take just one minute out of his busy schedule: to Pull JPII aside and say Paul, I think it is time to excommunicate Bush et al. They have gone too far. Seb

Terry		30-Dec-2004 00:26
I am truly, and my wife, saddened by the events that have taken place in the countries hit by the tsunami/earthquake on 12/26. The pictures give us a personal perspective not given by the news organizations, so we thank you for your bravery in taking them. We are even brought to tears by the deaths of families-brothers, sisters, fathers, mothers, etc., the numbers don't put a face on it, but these personal pictures do. We are christians and pray for the survivors and their future...Yes, we believe in GOD, and in his HIS absolute sovereignty. The world is a fallen world, WE are ALL, including my wife and I, sinners in need of salvation from HIM. We all have our sin albeit, adultery, anger misplaced, abortion, unforgiveness, hatred towards anyone whether we like them or not or disagree with them or not. There are too many things that require a designer, they are too complicated to just happen. For example, the computer you are using to read this didn't just evolve over time, pop up on your desk, someone designed it. As to why the tragedy? This earth is imperfect as are we, death happens to ALL of us, I wish everyone could die peacefully but it doesn't happen that way, and if we could ALL die at old age well that would be nice too, but at what age. Let it be known that all those children are in Heaven with Jesus, yet we are accountable to HIM at what age I do not know. Remember HE gave us a way to spend eternity with HIM, thru the sacrificial death of Jesus, who was perfect, the only perfect person to live yet HE had to die too, and it was the worst type of death invented by man, death on a cross. Look at what was predicted in the BIBLE, read Matthew: 24:7/ Mark 15:8/ Luke 21:11, "For nation will against nation, kingdom against kingdom, and there shall be famines and pestilences, and EARTHQUAKES IN DIVERS PLACES." Yes, earthquakes predicted in the sea, hence "divers places". People scoffed at Noah, and yes there is proof of a big flood, the times are a changin', all predicted in the BIBLE. Even longtime atheist scientists now are admitting there is a designer behind the earth and the universe. Josh Mcdowell, a once professed atheist genius, IQ of 180, set out to prove the BIBLE wrong but he couldn't, he is now a Christian over 30 years. It's the evidence guys. So we Americans are not stupid, we just appreciate the freedom of choice, given by GOD HIMSELF, you can choose to believe and love HIM or you can choose not too, but we are destined die just 1 time and face judgment from a perfect GOD, who created a perfect earth but we screwed it up and invited sin and satan so that's why the evil and tragedies and horror. If you choose not to believe you have still made a choice. For love, if imposed or forced is NOT love at all, this is why GOD gives you free will to choose to love HIM. HE's waiting at the door for you and HE knocks, but HE will not force HIS way in. HE loves you no matter who you are or what you've done, HE's knocking now by you reading this. I pray for all those affected by this tragedy, for their emotional, physical, mental and spiritual healing, that HE will provide food, clothing, shelter, medicine, and spiritual shelter too. For HIS ways and thoughts are higher than man's, I cannot claim to know the mind of HIM but I can have a personal relationship with HIM 4-ever thru HIS SON JESUS. It's not we can do but what HE did for us--GRACE HAPPENS! Love the brother and sisters in CHRIST in America.

Joe		30-Dec-2004 00:04
Nuther American: You, my friend, are a genius. The insight you used to analyze the posts on this site, sort through fact from fiction, conduct some rapid detective work on the fabricated name as well as the reference to Hillary Clinton...outstanding. It's brilliant minds like yours that help the world be a smarter and safer place and I, for one, can't tell how much I am looking forward to meeting you in person. I have two things to say to you: 1. You are the Howard Cosell of the blogging world. 2. It was Professor Plum, in the library, with the candlestick. >>

Joe		29-Dec-2004 23:59
To: Human So is it the fault of Jesus for the Tsunami? Everyone gives him credit and praise when great things happen, like winning a sporting event or the birth of a child. But isn't he to blame when terrible things happen on this planet as well? "Go sell crazy somewhere else, we're all stocked up here."

Joe		29-Dec-2004 23:59
To: Human So is it the fault of Jesus for the Tsunami? Everyone gives him credit and praise when great things happen, like winning a sporting event or the birth of a child. But isn't he to blame when terrible things happen on this planet as well? "Go sell crazy somewhere else, we're all stocked up here."

Curlytop		29-Dec-2004 23:19
My God . . . what an unspeakably terrible tragedy. I'm so sorry for what you went through there, and even more for all who lived there and lost family members, friends, and homes. My heart goes out to all involved. It really saddens me to read some of the comments on this site. Sue Nommy is not only ignorant with regard to human experience and compassion, but also with regard to mathematics (last time I checked, 77000 is NOT more than 90 times 3000). For the rest of you with obvious political agendas, is it not just as racist to assume that all white people (or white people with a religious adherence) are uneducated, lacking in compassion, and eagerly pursuing means to oppress those not like them as it is for Sue Nommy to claim that nonwhite people in countries outside of America are somehow worth less than white Americans? Thank you for having the presence of mind to take the photos, and the courage and compassion to realize how very important they are and share them with the rest of us. I'm sure this hasn't been easy for you.

Human		29-Dec-2004 23:15
Thank you for the pictures. For those who will hear......I bleed red as the rest of you and I think it would be good to point out that we are all apart of the greatest statistic...10 out of 10 DIE!Hope I haven't shocked anybody.It is heart breaking to me to see my fellow human beings go through these tragedies.I greatly appreciate those who took the time to write respectful, encouraging and loving thoughts, thank you. From one imperfect human to any human who will hear...please, research the claims and life of the man by whom our timeline is set after(HIStory).Please, research historiography and open your mind enough to inquire and reason if there is anything more reliable than the Bible and it's proper message.....Jesus died for our imperfect hearts so we can be with the God of the Bible and His Perfect in love heart forever.This is not heaven....life is for salvation. i am a nobody loved by Jesus.The real battle is not against flesh and blood, but against the invisible rulers, principalities and forces of the air. Please, research. Jesus loves you all......ALL! Godspeed

nutherAmerican		29-Dec-2004 23:10
It's elemental that "Sue Nommy" is a fabrication (= Tsunomi - I'm not going to lose my breath laughing at this - comic genious, or mediocrity as it were, has reached a new low here), and that Sue's comments may be intended to stir up a beehive of emotion on this forum. Looks like it worked. The email given by Sue isn't real, but casts a H.Clinton in a negative light. Taking the falsehood of "Sue Nommy" and the email address together (try emailing something to that address - it's not valid), it's a safe bet that the entry is really just back-handed humor. With this perspective, perhaps not all Yanks are ... yanks (yank-offs).

Bob L		29-Dec-2004 22:58
Thanks for sharing those pictures....the scale of this tradegy is mind boggling. It is amazing how fast paradise can turn into hell by such an event. I hope everyone can donate money to aid in getting these areas cleaned up before more deaths are created by cholera, hepatitus, etc. And I want to apologize to everyone who has read the incredibly sick and sad comments of those who can have such a cavalier attitude about this horrible event. I'm embarrassed that these morons are Americans who have access to the internet so they can spew their crap. Our country has way too many of these people, whose collective pea-brain cannot spark an intelligent thought. An earlier poster made note that these people are probably posters at www.freerepublic.com or www.lucianne.com These sites attract the very worst ego-centric fascists and racists on the 'net.

Bob L		29-Dec-2004 22:43
Thanks for sharing those pictures....the scale of this tradegy is mind boggling. It is amazing how fast paradise can turn into hell by such an event. I hope everyone can donate money to aid in getting these areas cleaned up before more deaths are created by cholera, hepatitus, etc. And I want to apologize to everyone who has read the incredibly sick and sad comments of those who can have such a cavalier attitude about this horrible event. I'm embarrassed that these morons are Americans who have access to the internet so they can spew their crap. Our country has way too many of these people, whose collective pea-brain cannot spark an intelligent thought. An earlier poster made note that these people are probably posters at www.freerepublic.com or www.lucianne.com These sites attract the very worst ego-centric fascists and racists on the 'net.

BienBien		29-Dec-2004 22:32
I do live in America...I live in north new jersey, in Union City. And believe it or not there ARE people in this country (more than you think) who actually believe and think that Americans are a superior people, that these poor, helpless humans out there somehow DESERVED what happened to them, and that we are not obligated to help them. Just look at some other forums/chatrooms and you will see what I mean.

Corinthians		29-Dec-2004 22:30
I am a proud american! God will smite the unbelievers.

lanie		29-Dec-2004 22:16
BienBien- I see now, but did not see those comments. I guess we will have to agree to disagree that most people in America do not think the way you describe. I would be sad to know who you are speaking to or living near in the US (or if you are even from the US). I live North now in an area with many colleges and universities. It is indeed a culturally diverse and much more educated area with well traveled people and maybe that has something to do with the “worldview” I am surrounded by.

Nero		29-Dec-2004 22:14
I feel sorry for those who actually believe anything that Sue Nommy would write. If you can't tell it is someone just playing with everyone's emotions in their own sick way, then everyone responding to that writer needs some serious help. This is a tragedy, no doubt about it. From the responses I have seen posted, I can only think of those ignoring the comments posted by Sue even keeled folks. Those, who in turn, automatically think the person is an American and then slam the American culture for their own comfort would probably believe just about any Anti-American conspiracy, etc. Everyone needs to get a clue and a grip and not get belligerent over someone's twisted sense of humor.

Gary		29-Dec-2004 22:12
For people who ask about why the photographer just took the picture rather than trying to help the poor guy, look at the middle of VA7U0478.jpg -- the guy is probably 150 yards (meters) away surrounded by a torrent of water. Exactly what would the photographer do? Short of having a helicopter gased up and ready, nothing was possible to do, not to mention that people are often just too shocked to react at the time. Also, people don't get another aspect of floods like this: In places the water can be moving at 15 to 30 miles per hour (22 to 42 km/hr). You are as much in danger from impact as from drowning. To get the point. Get on a bike, preferably going slightly downhill and peddle as hard as you can until you are at top speed. Now try grabing a tree, or jumping off, or running into a car. That is also what happens in a flood. But, here's what you can do now: Donate. From my synogogue, two organizations below or find your own: =============================================== The American Joint Distribution Committee (which receives funding from our annual campaign) has set up an open mailbox for contributions. Funds raised will help various agencies on the ground provide emergency supplies for the hundreds of thousands of people who have been left homeless due to flooding and structural damage.http://www.jdc.org/news_press_122704.html to donate online, or make checks payable to the JDC Southeast Asia Tsunami Relief Fund and send to: JDC Southeast Asia Tsunami Relief Box 321 847A Second Avenue New York, NY 10017 The American Jewish World Service is also accepting donations. For several years, AJWS has partnered with 24 non-governmental, community-based organizations in the region on sustainable community development projects. AJWS is working with these local groups to assess needs and provide emergency relief — food, water, shelter and medicine — and long-term development support. Donate online at https://secure3.ctsg.com/AJWS/donation/index.asp?Item=167 , or call 800.889.7146, or send checks to: American Jewish World Service Asia Tsunami Relief 45 West 36th Street, 10th Floor New York, NY 10018 Both groups pledge that 95% of funds raised will go directly to disaster relief efforts. Gary

BrownBoyBilly		29-Dec-2004 21:57
Amazing, powerful photographs. I cannot begin to imagine how you felt watching this surreal, murderous image unfold before you. Here in England the media report "50 Tourists Dead". How shameful that they choose to disregard the others who lived there and those who weren't on a 'Paradise Holiday' but who were born there and had no choice as to whether they moved or not. When you learn how the Government had given the World Health Organisation £55,000. Mp's earn more than that in a year. We could afford Billions but the truth is that a lot of Western countries couldn't care less.

Tourist		29-Dec-2004 21:55
I have been to Phuket and this looks like either Karon or Kata beach, I think its the club med. I am absolutely amazed at the scale of this, & it scares me that I live in an area where this could also happen, and that I may know people who died. The Thai are an amazing people & my heart goes out to everyone there, and Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India. Surprisingly we have not seen/heard much from Myanmar, I would anticipate a similar story there. Kinda puts things in perspective.

BienBien		29-Dec-2004 21:51
Lanie sorry but you completely missed what I was saying, I was talking about the fvckheads who posted things like "cowabunga" and " advertisement for a water park" about a picture in the gallery of someone being swept away by the wave. Also, if you don't think a large number of mostly white, ignorant, fundamentally religious Americans dont feel the compassion that you and I do, then please take your head out of the sand. There are MANY Americans who feel that we should not give our best to helping out the relief effort simply because most of the victims are non-white and non-Christian.

lanie		29-Dec-2004 21:48
True, T. Wells - I see your point, but I heard somewhere the cost to place the necessary buoys to track sea levels in the Indian Ocean would cost about $250,000 each, needing something like 2 or three. That seems like such a small cost for the amount of lives it may have saved. However, the communications infrastructure in which they would need to get these warnings obtained from the buoys is the real issue in implementing a warning system. I believe the last considerable tsunami, also generated by an earthquake, was in 1883 some 36,500 people were killed by tsunamis in the Java Sea, following the eruption of Krakatoa.

lanie		29-Dec-2004 21:39
Hey "Guest" - If having empathy for my fellow human beings and despising ignorant fellow Americans is "superior" then call me "superior" all day long. Thanks for the compliment. Where did you see a "joke"? There is absolutely nothing to joke about here… And who are you to say how American "white" people feel? I have heard nothing but horror and inquiry on how to help from the "white" people I know.

T		29-Dec-2004 21:37
People, will you PLEASE stop feeding the trolls? They don't believe what they're saying, they're just doing it because they know it gets a reaction out of you. I'd like to say if you ignore them they'll go away, but they won't; they will, however, only come back stronger the more you direct your comments to them. Again, this isn't indicative of the human race, or Americans, or even teenagers in general, it's just a way to get attention. Let 'em be.

Wells		29-Dec-2004 21:35
Regarding the Tsunami warning systems that everyone is suddenly saying there is a need for: Careful, please, that this isn't just an emotional knee jerk response to apply hindsight to "fix" something that has already happened. The reason the Indian ocean doesn't have a Tsunami warning system is that there hasn't been a major Tsunami there in more than a hundred years. 95 percent of major tsunamis in the world occur in the pacific. "Shockingly" enough, The Atlantic ocean doesn't have an early warning system either. (that includes the coastline of France, to the Monsegnior who has posted recently with the opiniion that there should be one) Such a system would be incredibly expensive, and would involve years of hard work to put in place, and probably wouldn't be used for another coulpe hundered years. Meanwhile, children would continue starving to death and dying of disease (some in the very areas hit by the waves) and would receive LESS aid, because some of it would go to a rather useless early warning system whose effectiveness would be questionalbe anyway. (there are reports of places in india where the local authorities did warn people, causing them to flock to the beach to watch, potentially placing more poor sould in harm's way) The world is full of knee jerk responses such as this one, as the emotional masses compulsively throw money at every item in the press that intrudes on their blissfully ignorant little worlds, in ways that are ineffective and wasteful. Please, before backing ridiculous ideas such as this, stop and give a little rational analysis to the situation. Maybe they do need a tsunami warning system there, but that should only be determined after careful study to determine if that money might not be used more effectively elsewhere. Let me ask you this, does France have a tornado warning system? Would you reccomend that Dubai go out and train an Avalanche rescue team because it snows there every hundred years or so? THINK, PEOPLE!

Guest		29-Dec-2004 21:30
You sick fvcks...this is a fvcking horrible disaster and you idiots have jokes...you act like Americans are superior... I'm American and you make me sick...you are all an embarassment...and the sad part is that there are many Americans, mostly white people who actually feel how "sue nommy" does, "sue nommy" is just trying to provoke people because his d**k is small and nobody takes him seriously in real life.

lanie		29-Dec-2004 21:29
Dean Rose - Cherokee were my people - the ORIGINAL "Americans". In my previous post I neglected to thank the webmaster for the pictures. What a tragedy...

guest		29-Dec-2004 21:23
Reading through the comments posted here, I am glad that I am able to take in all the information available and develop my own conclusions about world events. The disaster that occurred is absolutely horrible, and I will do whatever I can to help. However, I won't waste my time placing blame on innocents or reacting to someone's idea of a sick joke. It really is a waste of my time and yours when we could better use that time to educate ourselves and help those in need.

Guest		29-Dec-2004 21:18
The poster has achieved its goal of changing the subject from this being a horrible tragedy to a discussion of its agenda. Please do not give it any more power by reacting. Unfortunately bigotry will always exist it should simply be ignored.

Guest		29-Dec-2004 21:08
I do not like it when people make a political issue out of something that is so obviously an act of God, so I will not acknowledge those comments. What if you dont believe in god...it was an increadable tragity, the worst tragedy I can think of in my lifetime, but why is everyone making it out to be an act of this mysterious being who no one knows anything of, and for all we know doesnt exist. This tragity is nature being nature, sadly, and terrible things such as this will always happen, and all we can do is try and help these people in need, and hope for help ourselves when we need it.

Taelus		29-Dec-2004 21:01
In reading through these postings I have never been more embarrassed to be counted as a member of the human race.

Runner		29-Dec-2004 20:57
Thanks for sharing your photos. I do not like it when people make a political issue out of something that is so obviously an act of God, so I will not acknowledge those comments. I don't know what any of these people are going through, but may God's peace, whatever form God takes to each of them, be with all those affected by this tragedy.

Dean Rose		29-Dec-2004 20:48
I would also like to tahnk yoou for these gret pics. They show how frail our lives really are. And to Sue Nommy... 9/11 was not only 300 Americans, there were also severl other nationalities. How can a person put labels on people, we were all put on this great blue ball to live ouot our lives however it turns oout. Some of are fortunate to be put in great societies others not so great. But that is not there fault. We should all be here to help each other out. Because we all have a short time on this planet. I bet if you were in trouble and one of the dirty little people as you so called them were to come alog you would like him or her to help you. I really feel bad for you if you would not help anyopne else because they are not American. I am a true original American, (Chacktaw) are you.

Brian		29-Dec-2004 20:40
They must be shaking in their graves as they see how many stupid in your ignorant generation is reviving racism once again. As a young American, I want to know what you mean by this. Our generation is much more tolerable of all races than any previous generation by a long shot. Racism will become non-existant when my generation is in control of the country. Sue is a moron, just looking for attention, and trying to piss people off, just ignore him/her...and dont blame an entire nation, or generation for what one person on a message board says...

Bobbi Lee		29-Dec-2004 20:21
Thanks to the person who put these pictures up. My heart aches for all those who are suffering. I read through the comments & even the ones by "Sue Nommy". I can only quote Dr. Paul Farmer: "The idea that some lives matter less is the root of all that is wrong in the world" Bobbi Lee

Brandy		29-Dec-2004 20:10
This is a heart wrenching gallery. After all that I have seen on CNN and other World NEWS I was astonished at the tranquility and beauty of this island in the before pictures. I have never visited this part of the world but have heard that the people and places here are amazing and worth the trip/holiday. I think it helps me to see what TRUE destruction has come to South Asia by looking at these before pictures. Unfortunately, everything on the news right now shows this area AFTER the tsunami... I appreciate the person that opened this gallery. Does anyone know what happened to the man in the picture being swept away? My heartfelt prayers go out to ALL of those affected by this tragedy. I want so badly for the children who are missing parents to find them alive and safe. My sincere apologies go out to all of the parents who have lost their children. I beg everyone (regardless of race, religon, creed, nation, or status) to pull together and do what you can in your communities. Try to get charities or donations started. Rally to help these people... We owe our fellow mankind this! The survivors are mourning the loss of their loved ones, their businesses and industry, and their way of life. They need us to pull together and be a planet of united humans... Let's ALL help them, PLEASE. To those of you that want to make this site into a political statement - SHAME ON YOU! As an American I find it VERY embarassing that there are other Americans out there that want to make everything about us/our country. This natural disaster has NOTHING to do with 9/11 or terrorisim. Let's use this disaster to unite all countries...rather than tear us apart! God Bless you all.

Brandy		29-Dec-2004 19:59
This is a heart wrenching gallery. After all that I have seen on CNN and other World NEWS I was astonished at the tranquility and beauty of this island in the before pictures. I have never visited this part of the world but have heard that the people and places here are amazing and worth the trip/holiday. I think it helps me to see what TRUE destruction has come to South Asia by looking at these before pictures. Unfortunately, everything on the news right now shows this area AFTER the tsunami... I appreciate the person that opened this gallery. Does anyone know what happened to the man in the picture being swept away? My heartfelt prayers go out to ALL of those affected by this tragedy. I want so badly for the children who are missing parents to find them alive and safe. My sincere apologies go out to all of the parents who have lost their children. I beg everyone (regardless of race, religon, creed, nation, or status) to pull together and do what you can in your communities. Try to get charities or donations started. Rally to help these people... We owe our fellow mankind this! The survivors are mourning the loss of their loved ones, their businesses and industry, and their way of life. They need us to pull together and be a planet of united humans... Let's ALL help them, PLEASE. To those of you that want to make this site into a political statement - SHAME ON YOU! As an American I find it VERY embarassing that there are other Americans out there that want to make everything about us/our country. This natural disaster has NOTHING to do with 9/11 or terrorisim. Let's use this disaster to unite all countries...rather than tear us apart! God Bless you all.

Lanie		29-Dec-2004 19:53
As a proud American I am appalled at what was written by this "Sue Nommy" (Nice one, genius - how long did it take you to think that one up?). People of the world - please do not judge ALL Americans on idiots like "Sue Nommy" or our government officials. Everyone I speak to in the US is in shock and sending prayers to the people affected by this disaster. Remember, American is a nation of immigrants (aside from our Native Peoples) which we all too soon forget. There are many people in the US including some fellow students in my MBA program who have family members and friends in these areas and are desperate to hear news. I myself am looking into opportunities to help either with what resources I have or my physical assistance. As a Christian, I could care less that these people were mainly Hindu or Muslim, they were PEOPLE. People ravaged by nature, homes lost, whole families killed, no insurance, livelihoods lost, mourning, displaced, and now on top of it all - threatened by disease and burdened by reconstructing some semblance of the life they knew. To say such hateful things during this time makes me ill. To say that these people (Asian & Indians) are worth LESS than an American life takes me back to a truly ignorant time in American history when each African American citizen counted as only 3/5 of a vote in a “democracy”. Thankfully we have made great progress (although perfect by no means) toward equality since then. So take your ignorant, uneducated, inbred American a$$ to wherever you are from in the South and get bent. God (whatever God you believe in) save your evil soul…

Lanie		29-Dec-2004 19:52
As a proud American I am appalled at what was written by this "Sue Nommy" (Nice one, genius - how long did it take you to think that one up?). People of the world - please do not judge ALL Americans on idiots like "Sue Nommy" or our government officials. Everyone I speak to in the US is in shock and sending prayers to the people affected by this disaster. Remember, American is a nation of immigrants (aside from our Native Peoples) which we all too soon forget. There are many people in the US including some fellow students in my MBA program who have family members and friends in these areas and are desperate to hear news. I myself am looking into opportunities to help either with what resources I have or my physical assistance. As a Christian, I could care less that these people were mainly Hindu or Muslim, they were PEOPLE. People ravaged by nature, homes lost, whole families killed, no insurance, livelihoods lost, mourning, displaced, and now on top of it all - threatened by disease and burdened by reconstructing some semblance of the life they knew. To say such hateful things during this time makes me ill. To say that these people (Asian & Indians) are worth LESS than an American life takes me back to a truly ignorant time in American history when each African American citizen counted as only 3/5 of a vote in a “democracy”. Thankfully we have made great progress (although perfect by no means) toward equality since then. So take your ignorant, uneducated, inbred American a$$ to wherever you are from in the South and get bent. God (whatever God you believe in) save your evil soul… You are no American to me.

Grant		29-Dec-2004 19:50
Thanks for the organization list that is taking donations. Everyone needs to help out in a tradegy like this. Grant http://www.rtgconsultants.com/

Garry, an American		29-Dec-2004 19:42
Great pictures to document to the world part of the incredible tradgedy in that area. I can't imagine the horror to watch that unfold right in front of you, and still have the frame of mind to capture photos of it. Fantistic job. My heart goes out to all those killed and affected by this catastrophe of nature. I am happy to see that aid is coming in from all over the world, regardless of race/nationality/religion. This shows the best part of human nature -- the total opposite of some of the unbelievablely ignorant and nasty posts earlier. Keep up the good work and ignore the idiots. Garry

TCK		29-Dec-2004 19:27
What's to discuss? Donate money to an organizaton that will help save some of these people and pray.

kin		29-Dec-2004 19:23
This is not about race, country of origin, skin color, religeous background, politics...etc. This is simply a great disaster in the history of mankind. I pledge everyone here to give a helping hand to the victims. Sue: you're entiltled to have your opinion. However, everyone (including yourself) knows that is not true. You need God, love, friends, family, and maybe to travel the world and see the beauty in other countries, including the third world countries. I'm an Asian who moved to US for many years and i assure you NOT ALL AMERICANS are insensitive. In fact, ALL Americans around me have express deep sympathy for the disaster and many in this city is organizing fund raising or other type or aid to help the victims.

Lorna		29-Dec-2004 19:22
Hello All! I am an American as well. I think that what happened is horrible, but there is now a great potential for people from around the world to pull together to work together and help each other. America is offering aid in the form of money, manpower, and supplies. France, Germany, Japan, Australia, and more have already arrived with water purification, food, and medical supplies. As far as the arguement that "those people" didn't matter, think about that next time you're eating, what you're wearing, what you're driving, the supplies and fixtures in your home, the purse that you hold your money in, and so on. The reality now is that we have a global economy, and unfortunately that means that many poor people work for far less money than the rest of us so that we can have far more than they will ever know. In many ways, this creates a kind of innocence for them that makes them much more important than many First Worlders will ever know. God Bless them all, and God bless all of you who appreciate the loss the world just experienced.

Will		29-Dec-2004 19:05
Niko, agreed brother. If ever people can honor the memories of those lost, it's by putting aside their selfish nationalistic/political/religous ideals and realizing we are ALL HUMAN... You know, eventually there will be another natural disaster that will compare to this one the way a bucket of water compares to a drop... and when that time comes, and the entire human race is forced to stand together or become extinct, that the people who prefer to argue and accuse others about politics and the like are 'conveniently' left behind to do what they love most while the rest unite in helping to save each other... ;)

Piero Francobolli		29-Dec-2004 19:00
Sono daccordo con Sue. L'Europa sono estata salvata dagli Estati Uniti.

Piero Francobolli		29-Dec-2004 18:59
Sono daccordo con Sue. L'Europa sono estata salvata dagli Estati Uniti.

hbgator		29-Dec-2004 18:53
Awsome!

Niko ;)		29-Dec-2004 18:52
Ok ,sorry for blaming an entire country because of one stupid person. But i was, (and i am) really upset. I Was mad at this ignorant b*tch. And of course i know that 270 million people does not think exactly the same but i also know that and awful lot of people do think like this. I've met many americans and i know some of them really have this notion of racial superiority. Some think that 11-S is the worst disaster ever only because it happened to them. Anyway, this catastrophe has to be taken as a global disaster and in case like these we need to forget about barriers and nations and start thinking and helping each other like citizens of the world. Brothers. Peace Niko

leo		29-Dec-2004 18:51
The news I posted earlier has been confirmed by newspaper in HK and in thailand. Please do not continue the conversation of "Sue". apparently the thai government said that the tsunami warning was postponed because of the tourism board disagreed it, thinking that this would drive away the tourists. according to the news here, in hong kong a few years ago, there was once that the warning was on, but then no huge waves came, so the tourism board actually complained to the government. think of the people in thailand, also that guy on the pic, i am sorry to say but those officials are so selfish and greedy. Pray for those who lost their lives, as well as those injured, either physically or mentally.

Niko ;)		29-Dec-2004 18:51
Ok ,sorry for blaming an entire country because of one stupid person. But i was, (and i am) really upset. I Was mad at this ignorant b*tch. And of course i know that 270 million people does not think exactly the same but i also know that and awful lot of people do think like this. I've met many americans and i know some of them really have this notion of racial superiority. Some think that 11-S is the worst disaster ever only because it happened to them. Anyway, this catastrophe has to be taken as a global disaster and in cases like these we need to forget about barriers and nations and start thinking and helping each other like citizens of the world. Brothers. Peace Niko

lurker		29-Dec-2004 18:50
Francly I dont care much about what some racist, stupid, anoyoing, childish people say... but some of the posting here are just disgusting. I just cant imagine what kind of education someone can have to write such things on a public forum. I cant even feel sorry for those people. Its just plain disgusting at any level you can imagine. At the time of 9/11 I never saw such display of inconsequent and ridiculous opinions... and comparing 9/11 with this event is just plain stupid. 9/11 was caused by a former ally and friend of US that was trained and armed by US back when USSR was taking over Afeganistan. This earthquake was a natural disaster that afected people of all nations, color and creeds. And can come up at any time anywhere. US it self has some cities in some areas that can, and evetually probably will, be subject to such type of event. I would like to see the comments of some people that commented on this tragedy in such a lightly manner. This galery and these comments should be deleted by the author. If this was my galery I would be ashamed with some posts.

Will		29-Dec-2004 18:45
First off, I'll say it once. Anyone who actually acknowledges Sue with a direct response is more of an idiot than she/he/it is. Sue probably never got past the 1st grade (thus the stupidity of her remarks), and is too much of a coward to use it's own email address, let alone really speak it's mind in public (I use 'it' to emphasize her sub-humanity, I've seen rats with more intelligence). Secondly - is she American? I don't doubt it, there are brainwashed neanderathals like that living here in America, as there are everywhere in the world, we're no different as a country in that respect. But to apply her opinion to all Americans is an insult to me and others like me in the USA who want nothing to do with garbage like Sue, and everything to do with respecting ourselves and re-earning the respect of others in this world. So ignore her like someone said earlier, and like a 3 year old, it'll cry at first, then go away. Now let's please leave the politics / social digressions / mentally underdeveloped people of the world behind, and focus strictly on the purpose of this site, and on the supremely HUMAN nature of this absolute horror, which has been felt to the very core of their beings by people the world over. Thanks to this site and it's creators for hosting disaster media and for providing an outlet. My heart and soul go out in prayer to the victims, and their friends and families. May you all someday find peace in the memories of those lost, and strength in the miracle of the survivors. I wish with all my heart there was more I could somehow do other than to donate money, which at this point seems ridiculously insufficient, but which has already been done nonetheless. That's it.

ben		29-Dec-2004 18:41
Sue, you must be related to Michael Moore. Are you dumb, ugly, and uneducated? If so, you may have a lead in figuring out your family tree someday.

ben		29-Dec-2004 18:41
Sue, you must be related to Michael Moore. Are you dumb, ugly, and uneducated? If so, you may have a lead in figuring out your family tree someday.

David		29-Dec-2004 18:39
I really can't believe you people are even acknowledging these morons who are talking all racist and foolish. That's what they want, attention. Just ignore them. I highly doubt they believe what they're saying. They're just trying to get decent people all riled-up. When I read their nonnsense, I picture some 14 year old on Christmas vacation with nothing better to do than try to get people angry and hateful. I'm taking everything they say with less than a grain of salt. And PLEASE don't go starting divsions by accusing them of being Republican or Democrat, etc. There are morons of every side of the spectrum and decent people as well. The only label they deserve is "immature."

jim		29-Dec-2004 18:36
AlternateNYCPerspective, I too am a member at freerepublic.com and I am simply stating what I have seen on that site. Although there are many compassionate Americans, freerepublic contains way too many "Sues". The worst part of it is that in their minds, these right-wing Christians think they are morally superior. Yet they post messages that are hateful, racist, homophobic, etc.., and downright un-Christian.

Scott M.		29-Dec-2004 18:34
I can't believe what I'm reading in here. This is the worst natural catastrophe in my 32 years and you people are arguing politics? This isn't about liberals, conservatives, socialists, communists, American, European, Asian, first world, third world, or any of the other ists and isms into which everyone seems to want to box this tragedy. This is about general concern for your fellow human being, which is being completely dismissed so blame can be placed. It's times like this when we must join together to overcome nature's violent voice. Nature doeesn't care if you're rich or poor, it will kill you regardless if you let your guard down. The Sri Lankan government joined with the Tamil Tigers, their sworn enemy who they've been fighting for decades, to try to help their ravaged country, and we're bitching about who gave more aid and which people are worth more? My view of homo sapiens was pretty dire before, but reading the posts which are supposed to be commenting about the tragedy has completely crushed any remaining hope I have for humanity. Instead of praying or donating money, how about trying to treat your neighbor with love and respect. It's small steps like that that will change the world. This is not the place for politics or morality. In times of crisis, we're supposed to band together, not rip each other apart, you pathetic morons.

Rapha�l		29-Dec-2004 18:33
Please also not forget Eastern Africa, maybe less destroyed, but there are also some dead people here. In Somalia, madagascar, and so on.

Joy		29-Dec-2004 18:32
Sue...You happen to be a bitch

edgardocontreras@mac.com		29-Dec-2004 18:32
is there a way to report abuse and delete all that stupid hate postings here?

leo		29-Dec-2004 18:32
apparently the thai government said that the tsunami warning was postponed because of the tourism board disagreed it, thinking that this would drive away the tourists. according to the news here, in hong kong a few years ago, there was once that the warning was on, but then no huge waves came, so the tourism board actually complained to the government. think of the people in thailand, also that guy on the pic, i am sorry to say but those officials are so selfish and greedy. Pray for those who lost their lives, as well as those injured, either physically or mentally.

Juan Sebasti�n Gaviota		29-Dec-2004 18:28
Estoy de acuerdo con Sue. USA salvó a Europa del racismo y del nazismo de Hitler y luego hay bastantes europeos que desconocen la Historia y en su ignorancia se ponen en contra de Estados Unidos y a favor de asesinos y criminales que no saben más que destruir, que son como una especie de Tsunami humano.

Rapha�l		29-Dec-2004 18:22
It's, it's, it's, what may I say after viewing these photos ? What gets me on my nerves is that some scientists have built some real good mechanisms to prevent such a catastrophy, in the Pacific Ocean. Why that kind of machines are not implemented in the Indian Ocean ? Why ? It would have let maybe four hours to people to protect themselves. I cannot understand why. And it's not a question of money at all. Just because the differents men in charge in this region have argued on this point, and have completly disagreed themselves. It was a question of politics. These guys must be in some state of anxiety, now. I hope the population will make them pay a hard price to have refused to install such a way to protect people. I'm really angry, angry as you cannot imagine. I do not know anyone who disappeared in this catastrophy, but I consider them all as my brothers and sisters. They are men and women, old and young, some are only babies. We should have prevented that tsunami. It was possible. This is too sad, too sad. I do not know what to do, here in france, well sitted in my chair, front of my screen, just impotent, just able to cry and shout my anger, my huge anger. I want to say to you all this is not fatality ! It's not fatality. Scientists a over the world knew that an event as big as it happened will, a day, arrive. And with the appropriate tools that research can offer, thousands of lives could have been saved. The foolishness of our leaders is tremendous. I hope they will not be able to sleep for the rest of their mierable life, just good to offer great facilities to strangers for building structures like hostels and so on, where Occidentals come to show how rich they are, in front of so poor people. It makes me sick. Sick. I feel like vomiting. Here in France, the only things that count for fucking medias is the number of French dead. And the others ? Nothing. Almost half-men, haf-women, half-babies. I'm so sorry for the behaviour of our representants here in Asia. I do not know if one day, you will be able to forgive us about such a selfishness. I'm shamed, shamed, you know. SHamed of what w show to the asian world. The Asians have a thousands times more dignity than we have, poor pigs, plenty of money, which have take the place of our heart, mind and compassion, of empathy. I cannot say how shamed I am. The only thing I know is that Asians are proud ppeople, much much more than us. You are for now overwhelmed by this tragedy, but the inner strength that it's on your heart and soul will guide you to the redemption. I'm a poor people, but I have sent 100 euros at the Red Cross. It's nothing for all the needs, but a too huge amount of money for me. But you desserve it. I pledge all the visitors of this site to join together, at least for praying, whatever your religion, muslims, jews (which I am), Christians, Bouddhists, Sikhs and even non-beleivers in any God or superior force in the universe. Just gather ourselves, take the hand of your neighbourg, go and search the people of your neighbourhood, and please, in this moment, let us be together, any kind of religion, of skin, we all are humans, do not forget this. I will pray for you all, from the deepest of my heart. Raphaël, in France. http://u-blog.net/coursApied/

sascha		29-Dec-2004 18:21
hello I'm from Holland and when I first heard about the earthquake in asia....I WAS SHOCKT! These pictures are the first one's i have seen...I can't believe something like that could happen! I really think about the victims there....all they're family losses...it's terrible. it's crazy.... I know that there are a lot of people died, but...even with that thought, I do hope that everything will be O.K. for the survivors. greetings from an 14-year old girl from The Netherlands. My prayers...

Pablo		29-Dec-2004 18:18
What a relief to find that a few Americans have stood up and said that not everyone in the United States thinks the same as that "thing" which has named itself "Sue". On the other hand, I regret to see that people like Niko think all Americans think alike. My heartfelt sorrow to you, Colin. Sue, your heart and brain should be shown in schools as an example of what true human beings must despise.

Pedro M�rmol		29-Dec-2004 18:17
Why these human tragedies occur on 26 day?

juan		29-Dec-2004 18:12
Desde la costa norte de España, donde vivo, y siendo gran amante del mar, me sobrecoge ver tanto ser humano por dondequier. Sirva mi mensaje, en lo posible de condolencia a tantos y tantos desconocidos pero que sienten en sus carnes la misma sensacion: EL DOLOR y EL DRAMA. Vaya mi abrazo de condolencia para todos los que hayan perdido algun ser querido. Juan

Karen Birch		29-Dec-2004 18:08
Hey y'all! This page asks for comments on the picture gallery - not comments about what Sue has to say. She/he said it and that it that. There will always be people like "Sue" in this world. You can't change that OK? So, if Sue is reading this and I think she will be checking to see who opposes her, I would like to give Sue some kind advice: Sue, Deary, I think you need to have some GODLINESS in your soul. You are totally lost or have lost it and only GOD will be able to help you. My Dear, get to a place of holy worship and ask God to help change you, your ways and the way you think. We are all on this earth to help each other and help mankind. We're not here to make a muck of the world; we wish to enhance it. So my Dear Sue, if you think you're going to get much support in your "feelings" on this photo gallery page, the answer is NO! May God Bless You and Help You.

Dan Chusid		29-Dec-2004 18:08
Agencies reaching out to help the victims: _________________________________________ ActionAgainstHunger - 212-967-7800 -http://www.aah-usa.org/ American Jewish World Service - 800-889-7146 -http://www.ajws.org/ ADRA International - 800-424-2372 -http://www.adra.org/ American Friends Service Committee (AFSC Crisis Fund) - 888-588-2372 -http://www.afsc.org/ Catholic Relief Services - 410-625-2220 -http://www.kintera.org/htmlcontent.asp?cid=41794 Direct Relief Services - 805-964-4767 -http://www.directrelief.org/index.html Doctors Without Borders - 888-392-0392 - www.doctorswithoutborders.org International Medical Corps - 800-481-4462 -http://www.imcworldwide.org/index.shtml International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies - PO Box 372, CH-1211 Geneva 19, Switzerland -http://www.ifrc.org/ International Orthodox Christian Charities - 877-803-4622 -http://www.iocc.org/ Lutheran World Relief - 800-597-5972 -http://www.lwr.org/ MAP International - 800-225-8550 -http://www.map.org/ Mercy Corps - 800-852-2100 -http://www.mercycorps.org/splash/ Network For Good -http://www.networkforgood.org/ Northwest Medical Teams - 503-624-1000 -http://www.nwmedicalteams.org/ Operation USA - 800-678-7255 -http://www.opusa.org/ Relief International - 310-478-1200 -http://www.ri.org/ Save The Children - 800-728-3843 -http://www.savethechildren.org/ United Nations World Food Program - 202-530-1694 -http://www.wfp.org/ United States Fund for UNICEF - 800-486-4233 -http://www.unicefusa.org/site/pp.asp?c=duLRI8O0H&b=25933 World Concern - 800-755-5022 -http://www.worldconcern.org/ World Relief - 443-451-1900 -http://www.wr.org/ World Vision - 888-56-CHILD - www.worldvision.org

Guest		29-Dec-2004 18:07
Please people, keep in mind which arena we are reading. The people responsible for writing the pathetic messages immediately disqualify themselves from those who care, have some type of intelligence, or have any compassion. Do not bother responding to those messages as you are simply feeding the beast. Picture a 14 year old child, who thinks they have perspective, and prefers to sit in front of a computer for 10 hours a day (chat rooms, forums, etc.). Likewise, for those who develop opinions about countries or ethnicities based on what they read on the internet, good luck. This is a tragic event and will be trying for all those involved. Educated and intelligent people around the world share many of the same feelings/emotions regarding this event. For those messages that make you wish a home address is required to post, do not take the time to write a response.

AlternateNYCPerspective		29-Dec-2004 18:07
To whoever the scumbag is who claimed that members of FreeRepublic were posting hate messages or hate people who arent americans are entirely wrong. As a member of freerepublic, let me say the only thing our members hate, are liberals. Sunommy is some dumb fuck, which we can all admit every country has their lot of. I think it is most likely a LIBERAL individual who wrote the sunommy post in an attempt to continue to denegrate the american image, which is all most of the liberal public has done since the tragedy. Ask yourself this, where are all these famous and wealth American liberals who donated HUNDREDS of MILLIONS to Kerrys campaign, talking about how much they care about the down-trodden?? All you have seen is the UNited Nations hosting press conferences to insult America. You'd think the UN has something better to do with this great tragedy going on. How the hell are press conferences supposed to feed and aid the vicitims?! And did any of you ignorant people who have posted here, hear the comments from the minister from Thailand, the FIRST!!! did you hear that you liberal scumbuckets, the FIRST country to give condolences and have food and aid in flight and landed WAS THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. Not you lousy socialist, welfare state losers in Germany. Not any of you Euro socialists. YOur economies can't send the type of aid we can because of your sick and twisted devotion to a warped form of communism. America can give what it can because it is a strong CAPITALIST nation.As such, you see that iun times of need the country you can rely on best is, ALWAYYS HAS and ALWAYS WILL BE America. THis country has so far donated more than the EU which is a combination of around 20 countries (roughly?) So why don't you all just shut up. Just stop this petty and pathetic obsession with hating America, and instead focus on some self-improvement. Lord knows Germany, with its rampant unemployment rate, has much to think about. Do us all a favor... stay in europe... and shut up and send money, clothes, food, medicines, water and everything the people suffering in the many SE Asian nations need. And finally, STOP POLITICIZING this tragedy. Their dead children are not fodder for your politics. Go to hell you horrible people. regards an American and PS - Americans are fat because of an over-abundance of food, which is a sign of a great civilization: food surplus. you stupid sow.

Guest		29-Dec-2004 18:05
Sue Nommy...........we in Sweden lost 1500 countrymen.. Norway about 500 And dont forget the people in India... We give all the victims our condolenses Why do you think less of other people??? I think U need a HUG..

Sue Nommy		29-Dec-2004 18:05
Sue Your are so stupid. America is a great nation, with so many heroes who gave their lives in World War 2 to stop Hitler’s racism and Nazism. They must be shaking in their graves as they see how many stupid in your ignorant generation is reviving racism once again. It's people like you who makes million of people believe such a monster as Bin Laden is a hero. You’ll be judged and sent to hell by your own grant parents, for destroying the great nation you inherited.

Sue Nommy		29-Dec-2004 18:04
Sue Your are so stupid. America is a great nation, with so many heroes who gave their lives in World War 2 to stop Hitler’s racism and Nazism. They must be shaking in their graves as they see how many stupid in your ignorant generation is reviving racism once again. It's people like you who makes million of people believe such a monster as Bin Laden is a hero. You’ll be judged and sent to hell by your own grant parents, for destroying the great nation you inherited.

Sue Nommy		29-Dec-2004 18:04
Sue Your are so stupid. America is a great nation, with so many heroes who gave their lives in World War 2 to stop Hitler’s racism and Nazism. They must be shaking in their graves as they see how many stupid in your ignorant generation is reviving racism once again. It's people like you who makes million of people believe such a monster as Bin Laden is a hero. You’ll be judged and sent to hell by your own grant parents, for destroying the great nation you inherited.

Natalie		29-Dec-2004 18:02
Thank you for your pics , i'm in Idaho, USA and trying to learn all i can about this horrible tragedy. My heart hurts for all these people. I 'm also sad for people like" Sue" that leave disgusting messages and hurt people further. I pray for you Hellmut and your family and all the people that were affected by this.

Guest 1		29-Dec-2004 18:00
This is such a terrible tragedy. I am absolutely disgusted with Sue's comments. Every life is extremeley valuable, and this is so sad. I hope that people who read Sue's comments understand that Americans do not share her twisted views. I am an American and everyone who I talk to is very sad for all of the people who have lost a loved one.

Pedro M�rmol		29-Dec-2004 17:59
It's very dificult to see and read this black and white page but the Tsunami was terrible.

Pedro M�rmol		29-Dec-2004 17:58
It's very dificult to see and read this black and white page but the Tsunami was terrible.

Bob Reynolds		29-Dec-2004 17:58
Niko, do you really think that all of the 293,600,000 Americans think like this nutcase Sue? If so, I think it is YOU who has no understanding of the world and life. Why do horrible tragedies like this bring out both the best AND the worst in people? What a sad commentary on the nature of human beings.

Bangkok Photographer		29-Dec-2004 17:57
60,000 people dead is a tradgedy of immense proportion. Heartfelt sorrow goes out to all affected. I have lost friends, good people, good human beings. Another tradgedy of immense proportion is the number of ignorant people in this world who think they are better than others but in the end know nothing more than their own backyards. Such people are the inspiration for suicide bombers. The world is round...what goes around comes around. In sadness, Colin

Pablo Picapiedra		29-Dec-2004 17:55
It's very dificult to see and read this black page but it was terrible.

Vanessa Negretti		29-Dec-2004 17:55
Thank you to that photographer who took those photos! Whoever came upon this site got to see part of one of the most catastrophic events in the recent history of mankind. I was more than happy to read that the young man fighting for his life in the turbulent seawater was saved, but for the thousands and thousands of people (young, old, rich and poor) who lost their lives, the world is deeply saddened by this highly traumatic event.

Pablo Picapiedra		29-Dec-2004 17:54
It's very dificult to see and read this black page but it was terrible.

Skazmo		29-Dec-2004 17:51
"Sue" has posted Hilary Clinton's senate email address next to her comment which means any hate mail directed to the disgusting comments posted by "sue" may be sent directly to that address. This I feel is a callous ploy by someone to try to stir up something for their own twisted motives. God save us all from these times when we can't even reach out to one another at a time of tradegy and show some compassion for our fellow human beings who are suffering. I trust "sue" has had a great time down the boxing day sales spending her US dollars on something that really matters to her and so many other americans... themselves.

Pablo		29-Dec-2004 17:47
Sue: Your comments are a disgrace. I`m sad to see that there are still people like you that don´t deserve to be regarded as a human being. Lots of asians have died, but all their lives are as valuable as yours or mine. And those who haven´t perished have lost their wives, husbands, children or friends. You should be ashamed of yourself. If you think of posting more of those offensive comments, please think twice. Maybe someone who has lost or knows nothing of a relative or friend in Asia visits the page. Shame on you.

Pablo		29-Dec-2004 17:46
Sue: Your comments are a disgrace. I`m sad to see that there are still people like you that don´t deserve to be regarded as a human being. Lots of asians have died, but all their lives are as valuable as yours or mine. And those who haven´t perished have lost their wives, husbands, children or friends. You should be ashamed of yourself. If you think of posting more of those offensive comments, please think twice. Maybe someone who has lost or knows nothing of a relative or friend in Asia visits the page. Shame on you.

jim		29-Dec-2004 17:46
Sue, what is your freeper username? Let us read some of your enlightening posts over there.

Robert Ruiz		29-Dec-2004 17:45
I cannot believe "Sue Nommy" (Tsunami) (posting as Hillary Clinton) below on December 29th was anything but a sick joke. I don't know ANY Americans who think that way, and I was personally affected by 9/11 myself. 9/11 was an act of man's inhumanity to man, this is an act of nature. No life is more valuable than another and anyone who thinks so is in need of some serious soul searching and personal healing. I advise everyone to ignore this post by "Sue" -- every forum has posts like this by pathetic people so empty in their own lives they have to stir the pot senselessly just give themselves a sense of power. Just ignore and Sue won't get what "she" wants. From: Sue Nommy(HClinton@sen.us.gov) Date: 29-Dec-2004 17:22 I know that more than 90 times the people killed on 9/11 were killed with this. You must however look at all the facts. 9/11 was caused by man, this was natural. On 9/11 3,000 people were killed, but they were AMERICANS, these are 3rd world people, they are not as valuable as Americans, if you use the ratio that I use, of 1 American to 10000 of these "dirty" people, then you can plainly see that 9/11 was a MUCH greater tragedy, and this event barely deserves mention.

disgusted		29-Dec-2004 17:41
either this is some kind of humor and you are sick or your comment are for real and you really think that this is not a tragedy and that they are so many people in Asia that it does not matter ? Sue you are a monster. I suppose you also think that it does not matter if 10M Jewes died in the holocaust (they are so many uh ?), that it does not matter that American immigrants wiped out Native Indians on their own land and so on and so forth. but 911 matters to you because your sacred homeland sanctuary was touched ? I suppose you also vote republican ? you are the reason why the American Empire is in decay. in fact, YOU do not deserve to live. if there is a god, he will take care of you. have a nice life.

US Ranger		29-Dec-2004 17:37
Sunammy I am going to kill you by hacking your head off and then I'm going to skull fuck you. You are the worst human filth! Americans are not worth more than 3rd world people. I'm American and have lived in 3rd world countries and they don't have assholes like you there!

Niko ;)		29-Dec-2004 17:36
Sue, people like you make the entire world hate you and want to Blow away your country with a bomb. I hope they can make it one day. You americans are such a bunch of pigs fat eaters with neither culture and education at all. You dont know anything about the world. About LIFE. keep shaking your fat ass to cheap hip hop, Britney.

A Choi		29-Dec-2004 17:34
Sue, I guess no one can comment who is more valuable than the other. Can you tell me why Americans are more valuable than third world country people? This is really discrimation. Where do you come from?

Jim		29-Dec-2004 17:33
Just to let you know, the nasty comments are coming from a group of people at the freerepublic.com forum. Some of the users are a very racist bunch and have no compassion for anyone who is not American. Somehow they have twisted this tragedy into a joke. Here is some of the stuff coming from the site... - It was Bush's fault... running joke there as everything has to do with Bush - the liberal media and the affected coutries are inflating the death tolls in order to get more aid - these countries don't deserve aid because some of them did not support their war on terror What a disgusting bunch

guest		29-Dec-2004 17:32
Sue Nommy I hope those comments get turned around on you someday and someone close to you passes. Every human life is valuable as much as your warped racist mind does not want to believe so.

Sue Nommy		29-Dec-2004 17:22
I know that more than 90 times the people killed on 9/11 were killed with this. You must however look at all the facts. 9/11 was caused by man, this was natural. On 9/11 3,000 people were killed, but they were AMERICANS, these are 3rd world people, they are not as valuable as Americans, if you use the ratio that I use, of 1 American to 10000 of these "dirty" people, then you can plainly see that 9/11 was a MUCH greater tragedy, and this event barely deserves mention.

Markus		29-Dec-2004 17:20
Well.. impressive photos!! And to make a statement. The death toll of 75.000 people is very sad. But be real.. every DAY 40.000 people DIE of Hunger. 16.000 of them are children below 12. And the sad thing is that the world has enough food to feed them all, but the rich West won't allow transportations of food to the poor. We rather burn it or feed is to our cattle. Stop whining about the terrible things (9/11, Tsunami's, or other crap) and start thinking of what is coming. Only God can judge us and eventually he will.. or not. I don't care, i die someday anyway. The question is "when" and "how". Have a nice day.

Felipe Rodr�guez		29-Dec-2004 17:18
how there is people who can make fun of such a human tragedy. Or they are f"@#ng nazi bastards or they are nuts or both (more probably). Thanks for posting these pictures, I come from dpreview.

Jet		29-Dec-2004 17:14
I think you kneed to calm down. I was looking for i picture of the wave and i see a guy flowing down a river.CALM DOWN.

Jet		29-Dec-2004 17:14
I think you kneed to calm down. I was looking for i picture of the wave and i see a guy flowing down a river.CALM DOWN.

kin		29-Dec-2004 17:12
Sue, that's insensitive! Yes, there are billions of asians, but that doesn't mean their lifes are not valueable. I'm deeply saddened by the incident and even more disturbed by some insensitive remarks made on this page. For those people who do not understand the magnitude of this event, try imagining the death toll is about 90 times of the one on Sept 11, which everyone in the world called a disaster. I hope this disaster will bring out the good in human being and unite everyone in the world, just like Sept 11 bring together (at least) the Americans.

sasorg		29-Dec-2004 17:10
You need to calm down and apply a little reason to this. First, the sequence of pix thru **482 appears fairly rapid. From the time of the first wave pix to the man looks to be about 45 seconds. Next, the man is being pushed inland. Granted that when the water recedes he will change direction, but note that the depth is only around 1M. You can see that the beach area is actually higher in elevation than the land directly surrounding the building. Therefore it would be unlikely that the man would have been dragged beyond the beach (in this particular wave event). Note also that the the cars were dragged to a lower lying inlet area. This indicates 1-2M of fast moving water which we can assume would flow faster on a roadway heading down to the beach. But also note the beach mats, trash barrels (blue plastic) and other flotsam that did not make it beyound the autos. Also note that much of the beach furniture remains on the beach as do considerable pieces of the damaged beach structure. That debris has rested inward of the structure indicating that the flowback was not pronounced. Further take note that in the later pix there does not seem to be any debris more than 50 feet offshore. Smart money would be placed that this gentleman survived winding up in the "pool" of sea water surrounding the building. Injuries would be estimated to be minor caused by objects colliding with him. Also remember that 45 seconds is not much time to render assistance at ground level when starting from the second floor. Above all, calm down and try to control your empathy. Overall, sehr gut! Helmut....viel danke. And please do not forget that what man intends for evil, God can work for his good plan.

Ivan Yerkanoff		29-Dec-2004 17:00
Can't they just grind up and cook the dead to help feed the living?

Sue Nommy		29-Dec-2004 16:54
Let's get real...what are a few thousand less Asians and Indians. I mean, there are a billion people in India, and 1-1/2 billion Asians. Who is going to miss 75 or 100 thousand. You people need to get lives.

Vinay		29-Dec-2004 16:46
Thanks for posting these photos

Jess		29-Dec-2004 16:45
This is in response to those who criticize the person who had a negative reaction to the photographer and the drowning man. A link was provided so that we are able to read a news comment that the man was rescued. However I do have a problem with it. The report that the man lived comes from the photographer. The news of the miraculous safe rescue of the man was given to them by the photographer himself. There are to many other reports out there that state he did not make it and the only report that he lived comes from the photographer. I would need to see something from a bias reporter or paper stating otherwise. Sorry but I agree with Beth! Also in other reports they state that the man held on to a tree for a while before being washed under the photographers balcony. For just a minute those of you who preach walking in the photographers shoes or not judging because you were not there try trading places with the drowning man. How would you feel to know you are probably about to die and instead of a helping hand or kind word you see a camera capturing your last moments on film? Or put a family member in his place. How horrible it must have been for that man not to see the kind and worried face of a person who will try to help him. Even if nothing could be done just something to console the drowning man. Instead he saw the lens of a camera pointed at him. According to some of the comments I read most would say, "Hey take all the photos you want. This is great stuff? Instead of help me I am drowning and I don't want to die?" This has nothing to do with being holier than thou it has everything to do with life and how precious it is. In this case a picture is not worth a thousand words it is worth a life.

John		29-Dec-2004 16:32
Thank you for posting these photos.

Guest		29-Dec-2004 16:18
I cannot believe what I am reading. These are human beings that were killed, and some of you have not compassion at all. You are acting like the people we are fighting in the war. You are labeling all of them as satanist! I am ashamed to live in the same country as you people.I do not want to be associated with such no-hearted fools. I pray for the family's that lost loved ones. Many americans and tourists were killed in this natural disaster. I feel very sorry for those who don't have and empathy or sympathy in there hearts. Its so sad.

Dean Edward		29-Dec-2004 16:06
The true inward person really shows when faced with human tragedy on a massive scale. The utter lack of empathy and compassion i see displayed on the postings i have read thus far only confirms what I have feared for a long time. Post Christian society has the heart of a maggot,and their total disregard and mockery of their God and Creator is resulting in what you see now- inhuman humanity. I leave you with the words of the wisest man ever to open his mouth. Luk 13:1 And some were present at the same time reporting to Him about the Galileans, whose blood Pilate mixed with their sacrifices. Luk 13:2 And answering, Jesus said to them, Do you think that these Galileans were sinners beyond all the Galileans, because they suffered such things? Luk 13:3 No, I say to you, But if you do not repent, you will all perish likewise. Luk 13:4 Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell, and killed them, do you think that these were sinners beyond all men who lived in Jerusalem? Luk 13:5 No, I say to you, But if you do not repent, you will all perish likewise.

T		29-Dec-2004 15:47
It's time to close up the comments, the Internet Tough Guys have arrived. I can't imagine what it must have been like; my thoughts go out to all involved. Great photos.

david hume		29-Dec-2004 15:44
Voltaire said this in 1755 after witnessing the great Lisbon quake of that year: Les Délices, November 24, 1755 This is indeed a cruel piece of natural philosophy! We shall find it difficult to discover how the laws of movement operate in such fearful disasters in the best of all possible worlds-- where a 100,000 ants, our neighbours, are crushed in a second on our ant-heaps, half, dying undoubtedly in inexpressible agonies, beneath débris from which it was impossible to extricate them, families all over Europe reduced to beggary, and the fortunes of a hundred merchants -- Swiss, like yourself -- swallowed up in the ruins of Lisbon. What a game of chance human life is! What will the preachers say -- especially if the Palace of the Inquisition is left standing! I flatter myself that those reverend fathers, the Inquisitors, will have been crushed just like other people. That ought to teach men not to persecute men: for, while a few sanctimonious humbugs are burning a few fanatics, the earth opens and swallows up all alike. I believe it is our mountains which save us from earthquakes. Les Délices. UPDATED, December 26, 2004 "This is indeed a cruel piece of natural philosophy! We shall find it difficult to discover how the laws of plate techtonics movement operate in such fearful seismic disasters in the best of all possible worlds -- where a 200,000 ants, our neighbors, are crushed in a second on our ant-heaps, half, dying undoubtedly in inexpressible agonies, beneath débris from which it was impossible to extricate them, families all over Asia reduced to beggary, and the fortunes of a hundred merchants -- multinationals, like yourself -- swallowed up in the ruins of the Great 2004 Tsunami. What a game of chance human life is! What will the preachers say -- especially if the Palace of the Inquisition is left standing! I flatter myself that those reverend fathers, the Inquisitors, will have been crushed just like other people. That ought to teach men not to persecute men: for, while a few sanctimonious humbugs are burning a few fanatics, the earth opens and swallows up all alike. I believe it is our mountains which save us from earthquakes."

Grant		29-Dec-2004 15:26
Sneak, Thanks for posting the video links but your bandwidth has been exceeded and we can't access them. If you would like, my partner has webspace that you can upload the videos too. They should be shared with everyone. Grant http://www.rtgconsultants.com/

swan		29-Dec-2004 15:01
don't allow those godless idiots, satanist to get in your mind, and piss you off. They are worth nothing, and they will never be something. I feel so sorry for those who lost their everything in seconds. but for those idiots who trying to disturb this sensitiveness, and make fun with it, I never feel sorry for them, their place is hell. There is something interesting on VA7U0577.jpg, for serious writers, go check it out. Not for idiots who thinks they are funny.

seriously		29-Dec-2004 14:52
What do you expect when they build all these villages and resorts right on the damn oceanfront? Maybe their own greed finally bit them in them in the ass. I bet the owners looked down on the disaster from their cushy exotic homes high up on the hillside overlooking all of it. To them it is just a loss of their little moneymaker. I bet they are calling the lawyers and insurance companies whining as we speak. Are they donating any of their millions to help those poor people. HELL NO! I feel sorry for the victims that were in it, not looking down at it.

seriously		29-Dec-2004 14:51
What do you expect when they build all these villages and resorts right on the damn oceanfront? Maybe their own greed finally bit them in them in the ass. I bet the owners looked down on the disaster from their cushy exotic homes high up on the hillside overlooking all of it. To them it is just a loss of their little moneymaker. I bet they are calling the lawyers and insurance companies whining as we speak. Are they donating any of their millions to help those poor people. HELL NO! I feel sorry for the victims that were in it, not looking down at it.

swan		29-Dec-2004 14:50
don't allow those godless idiots, satanist to get in your mind, and piss you off. They are worth nothing, and they will never be something. I feel so sorry for those who lost their everything in seconds. but for those idiots who trying to disturb this sensitiveness, and make fun with it, I never feel sorry for them, their place is hell. There is something interesting on VA7U0577.jpg, for serious writers, go check it out. Not for idiots who thinks they are funny.

ted edis		29-Dec-2004 14:48
IM OUTTA HERE, THIS SUCKS, TOO MANY DICKHEADS HERE, BYE BYE

ted edis		29-Dec-2004 14:46
WHOEVER IS USING MY ID TO POST BULLSHIT COMMENTS ON THIS SIDE , FUCK OFF AND DIE, ASSHOLE!

Rosie		29-Dec-2004 14:45
We all know it was Rosanne who did the cannonball. Once she got off that prozac she ballooned up so friggin bad.....

jay		29-Dec-2004 14:40
Whoever thinks this tragedy is humorous, I only hope the worst for you and your pathetic lives. You are trully pieces of fucking shit.. Do everyone a favor and put a bullet in your fuckin' wasted head.

ted edis		29-Dec-2004 14:19
I really don't have room to talk. I rape children pretty regularly.

dvolkwyn		29-Dec-2004 14:15
I was just kidding. This is really not a big deal, and we shouldn't get carried away with it. Some of the comments I've read here are the funniest things I've read in a long time, and my heart is lightened by the humor expressed here. If we can't laugh at what life throughs at us, is it really worth living. When life hands you lemons, make lemonade. Just thing of the boon that rebuilding will bring to these local economies. Plus, with all the mass graves, think how fertile the soil will be for crops. See we can even find positives in a so-called "tragedy" such as this.

ted edis		29-Dec-2004 14:13
Too all of you who make jokes about this tragedy, show some god damn respect you sorry m-f´rs, hope you´re next!!!!

dvolkwyn		29-Dec-2004 14:06
Life is a precious gift that many of us should take time to pause and consider at this time. To those that have been directly affected by such tragedy, let us provide support. To those who find opportune time to ridicule, and make light of such issues, you are contradictions to your own opinions and your life will bring disasters far greater than this. Please let us all take into account the small sacrifices we can make in order to assist those people, and brush aside those ignorant enough to do otherwise. You will have done more this day by pledging assistance and encouragement to people affected by this disaster than being subjected to those who antagonize you. If you came to this site then I can only imagine that you are in some way concerned for those people at the devastation that can befall us all. Disasters of this nature are indiscriminate, and so should your support be, as I am certain you would want others support to be should such an event befall you. I trust that the greater good and global community will rise above these challenges and make a positive beginning to such a tragic end for so many.

Michael Moore		29-Dec-2004 14:00
I eat poop. :)

Michael Moore		29-Dec-2004 14:00
I eat poop. :)

Douglas Volkwyn		29-Dec-2004 13:51
Life is a precious gift that many of us should take time to pause and consider at this time. To those that have been directly affected by such tragedy, let us provide support. To those who find opportune time to ridicule, and make light of such issues, you are contradictions to your own opinions and your life will bring disasters far greater than this. Please let us all take into account the small sacrifices we can make in order to assist those people, and brush aside those ignorant enough to do otherwise. You will have done more this day by pledging assistance and encouragement to people affected by this disaster than being subjected to those who antagonize you. If you came to this site then I can only imagine that you are in some way concerned for those people at the devastation that can befall us all. Disasters of this nature are indiscriminate, and so should your support be, as I am certain you would want others support to be should such an event befall you. I trust that the greater good and global community will rise above these challenges and make a positive beginning to such a tragic end for so many.

Barbra Streisand		29-Dec-2004 13:45
Yes, it is in fact me who is posting. As proof, I can supply photos of myself typing this. Please check them out at This Link I'm sick and tired of being so damn caring and concerned all the time. We must remember, this is an area of the world where if there is a car accident 1100 people die. In the grand scheme of things, this is inconsequential. Let's all just go back to our lives already.

Hugh Jass		29-Dec-2004 13:41
What is this, some sort of godamn "Where's Waldo"? You should all have your loved ones implanted with GPS chips so they can be tracked down during times such as this. Also, Barbra Streisand...I have always hated you, but you are finally starting to make sense. I just might go out and rent Yentl.

Guest		29-Dec-2004 13:38
Ofcourse it was NOT Barbra!! Isn't that obvious??

Matthias		29-Dec-2004 13:30
I am looking for Mr. Dietrich KURZWEG, 58 years, lean and sporty appearance, last known location Phuket. Please mail me for any hints. Thank you.

Barbara		29-Dec-2004 13:20
How do you KNOW it was Barbra Streisand who wrote such a disgusting comment? All you have is someone typing the name down, and some email addy that might be bogus. For my comment, I appreciate someone showing us all these pics of the disaster, and so sorry for the loss of life, when it could've been averted with the proper equipment and warning....

Guest		29-Dec-2004 13:10
It is sickening me that some people choose to make cheap jokes about this catastrophe instead of keeping their mouth shut one time!

HEMANT SEWATKAR		29-Dec-2004 13:09
ITS A SUPERP COLLECTION A GREAT WAY TO INFORM PEOPLE AND MAKE THEM AWARE OF THE KIND OF ORDEAL PEOPLE MIGHT HAVE GONE THRU. LETS ALL OF US PRAY TO GOD TO GIVE PEACE TO THE DEPARTED SOULS. GOOD WORK. KEEP IT UP.

Guest		29-Dec-2004 12:57
There are even more pics of the devastation at www.goatse.cx

Phil Theejew		29-Dec-2004 12:53
I must say Ms. Streisand, if that is really you posting, that I am shocked and outraged by your comments. I have been a huge fan of yours for many years, and I can't believe you could be so heartless and cruel. This is a tragedy that the whole world should mourn, and for you to be so self centered is sickening. I hope you change your attitude, or I will be forced to no longer support you by purchasing tickets to your shows, or watching your movies. I am very saddened. Your (former) number 1 fan. Phil Theejew

Barbra Steisand		29-Dec-2004 12:46
We must not continue to focus on this. Does anyone even care that I have a hangnail. I mean Jeez, it's not like there's no suffereing anywhere else. Besides, I think we can all be certain, that somehow Halliburton, Cheney, and Bush are behind this. Give us some time, and I'm sure Michael Moore will uncover the truth.

Bengt		29-Dec-2004 12:31
Thanks for sharing the photos of this disaster whit us.Looking everything i can about it.Im so sad for the peoples and my friends in phuket.Im realy hope i not lost many of them i get to know tru the years´.Mvh

Vlad		29-Dec-2004 12:15
>Why did nobody get alarmed? Ships at open sea must have noticed something like a sudden change in water level or a change in curren< The Tsu-na-mi wave may move itself with the speed as much as about 2 M because it's soliton-like nature. The change in water level is very small in far see and there are not any visible changes in water current. The only way to inform people at time about danger is the monitoring with network of seysmograph and control of minor changes of water level (e.g. if the level of water falls just after the earthquake) and set ot it's physical properties (suddenly changes dencity of see water near the epicenter of earthquake in ocean etc.) with the special service. As far as I know such a monitoring exists in the Tsu-na-mi dangerous regions, e.g. Russian Far-East, Nothern Japan. It saved thousends and thousends lives. Therefore one of the main reason of so many victimes during catastrofe is the absence of such a service of early detection warning in the region I suppose.

saavedra		29-Dec-2004 12:14
Os Deuses estão enfurecidos com o fim do Mundo que se aproxima

guest15		29-Dec-2004 11:59
This disaster will be written in history.

Raph		29-Dec-2004 11:55
sick humour? indecent!

Conspiracy Guy		29-Dec-2004 11:39
Please listen evryone!! This was NOT caused as a result of an underwater earthquake. That is what the global control guys want us to think. The evidence is clear...this was caused by Rosie O'Donnell doing a cannonball into the ocean.

Osama Bin Laden		29-Dec-2004 11:34
Truly this was the will of Allah. Death to all infidel dogs!!!

Radek		29-Dec-2004 11:32
Terrible thing that has happen! The strongest country in the "Earth" knows what is happening. The question is: Do we need a panic? Knowing the truth more people would die. God with all the people! I am sorry for that :-(

1960 Chilean tsunami		29-Dec-2004 11:31
1960 Chilean tsunami http://www.geophys.washington.edu/tsunami/general/physics/characteristics.html

Heywood Jablowme		29-Dec-2004 11:20
Have the real estate prices of coastal properties dropped? I'm interested in buying some nice vacation property.

Heywood Jablowme		29-Dec-2004 11:20
Have the real estate prices of coastal properties dropped? I'm interested in buying some nice vacation property.

Apu Nahasapeemapetalon		29-Dec-2004 11:18
I bet the surfing Kicked major ASS!!!

Guest		29-Dec-2004 11:17
To answer the question of why there was insufficient warning from ships at sea, a tidal wave is not necessarily even noticable at sea. Due to conservation of energy (more or less)the velocity and height of a wave in shallow water is much much greater than at open sea. A ship in the middle of the sea experiences a tsunami as a small raising of the surface water level, at the coast they experience a rapidly moving wall of water.

Apu Nahasapeemapetalon		29-Dec-2004 11:16
All your base are belong to us. You have no hope to survive. Make your time.

Guest		29-Dec-2004 10:59
It is nothing but beginning of pole shift

angry		29-Dec-2004 10:58
Can j(zennronin@hotmail.com) and GOD go an hang yourself please....

j		29-Dec-2004 10:45
whoo yeah fizz! very witty stuff, you ignorant bag of birdshit!

GOD		29-Dec-2004 10:37
Yes, you are right! Let this be a warning to you all! The world needs more drugs and whores!! So sayeth me! -God

fizz		29-Dec-2004 09:48
Maybe its a warning to the rest of the world that we should have a world full of more drugs and whores.

a good humen		29-Dec-2004 09:27
first of all i pray for those who died in such disaster.second thing thanks very much for the goood fotos. see, i was in phuket long time back..and this is the worst place that i ever seen in my life..like,lots of drugs,prostitutes,crimes...its worst part of life...so its a warning from god,,,it must be,,,so its just a warning from god for rest of the world....try to bulid a better world

K. Vanderpoorten		29-Dec-2004 09:24
These photo's I am sure could help scientific research. (Unfortunatly some firms don't find it immoral to pop up a photo equipment advertisement!) Anyway, let's hope that this kind of disaster will never happen again. My sincere respect to all the victims and the people volunteering to help out. At least one question remains unclaer. Why did nobody get alarmed? Ships at open sea must have noticed something like a sudden change in water level or a change in current, I suppose. In hours of time en for 1000's of miles distance, nobody has been warned for the obvious danger of a giant wave moving towards the shore...

Guest		29-Dec-2004 09:23
Isnt it amazing that a few men with cameras are far more informative than the billion dollar news centers at CNN? These pictures and those found athttp://drudgereport.com under "videos" on the right side of the page are far better than anything I've seen on the so called news. This was a very bad quake, but if a meteor, like the one due to impact the earth in 2029 were to hit an ocean, entire countries would be washed away by the waves, and the atmosphere would be greatly affected. I have heard that the real numbers of the dead are 500,000 plus. I've shed more than a few tears for these poor victims. Think of the children and animals even that have all been washed out to sea, or electrocuted by falling power lines, or simply drowned. Its all horrific. Tracey

pascalle van der Laars		29-Dec-2004 09:13
I am realy shocked by this all. Seeinig the phones makes me realy sad. My brother and his girlfriend are currently on their holiday in Thailand. Luckly they are staying in Pattaya and didn't notice anything about it.

sanjeev		29-Dec-2004 09:11
I felt very sad that all people around the world in helpless situation in this tragedy. Everyone of us have to help the victims. May God bless helpless people...

Trevor		29-Dec-2004 09:07
Having been on Patong Beach a mere 8 weeks ago I was very saddened by what has happened. I only hope that nobody I know has been killed in this disaster. Many thanks to hellmut for bringing us these images, isnt this computer age fantastic. Years ago we would have had to wait weeks to see images like this.

Eve		29-Dec-2004 09:04
Declan.. Thank you load for what you just say, my friends from my company just arrived in Phuket 30 mins ago and 1st thing she found..It was a wallet from Denish guy floating and smelly everywhere.... Eve

yonadav		29-Dec-2004 08:57
Helmut - thanks for a record of the disaster. At which hotel is it? On what beach in Phuket?

Filipina		29-Dec-2004 08:27
thank you for the footage of the sad story. it is a very sad to all people in the world to see all helpless situation in this tragedy. let us help pray to all of the victims and survivors of this tragedy, our prayers will help them & us have a heart of courage to face what is left to live and hope it will not happen again. even though we are not there but still it brakes our hearts to see the helpless and sudden tragic situation. God bless us all.

Declan		29-Dec-2004 08:20
Very sad, the Thai people are beautiful people, I'll go back to Thailand to support them as soon as I can, thinking of you. Australia

aomchan		29-Dec-2004 08:03
I am thai but I live in Bangkok. I watched the news all day and I was very very sad about it. Many people die and lost. All of thai people was sad. I wish I can help more. I just do only gave a little money for help them. I lost my some of my friendss at Phi-Phi island. I everbeen there, Phuket, Krabi and Trang all of the place that I visited was destroyed by tsunami wave.

sneak		29-Dec-2004 07:55
http://www.nebelfrau.com/misc/sri_lanka_tsunami.wmv http://www.nebelfrau.com/misc/tsunamiphuket.wmv

sneak		29-Dec-2004 07:54
Thanks for the pics. if i may post some link to some footage? http://www.nebelfrau.com/misc/patong_beach.wmv

M.G from Switzerland		29-Dec-2004 07:25
I'ts so hard, to see helpless and fearless people. I lost also a person in my family, but I could say good bye and they people in sri lanka etc. not. my condolence to all of them.

Dilip		29-Dec-2004 07:14
The photos are awesome...!!! Its hard to digest seeing an entrie resort getting wiped out within minutes...!!

Pat Swovelin		29-Dec-2004 06:50
Do you know if the man in frames VA7U0478.JPG and VA7U0479.JPG survived or was he swept past you and you never saw him again?

Guest		29-Dec-2004 06:44
Thank you for highlighting the absolute horror of the situation - starting from the tranquil beginnings to the devasting results. The force of the water washed away people and people's lives in an instant, and your photos help dramatize that unbridled power. Hopefully this will prick the world's conscience to send relief funds to the area.

John		29-Dec-2004 06:41
Thank you for the photos. From some of the comments I can only conclude that they do not understand the value of pictures like these to the scientific field. How do they think that we learn where the problems are. We surely can not be "there" when these events occur, but in order TO SAVE LIVES we MUST know exactly what happened and therefore have a clue as to how to lessen the losses in similar situations. These photos and others like them will be studied by hundreds to analyze the destruction and attempt to design against future events. How many lives will be saved because one man put his own life at risk and had the courage to record the events? Only God knows the answer to that. There were those who accurately forecasted this event, but were scoffed at by those who considered themselves to be the ONLY source of scientific analysis. By the way, that number of 9.2 is under the NEW reporting system. Under the old system it was a 10.2

Eve		29-Dec-2004 06:33
I would like to say Thank you for posting these photos. Also can we stop all the bickering and name calling and for just a moment think of ALL of those touched by this. Be it the family who now has no mother, father, daughter, or son. Who has no house, job or clothing to change into and just wants some peace in their time of sorrow and worry. You speak of prayer and God; how is it that you can judge others? PLEASE THINK OF THESE PEOPLE AND DONATE HOW EVER YOU CAN...thoughts, prayer, meditation, money or time!

Guest		29-Dec-2004 06:28
Hi, This is Great pictures, And I want to Let you know Taiwan's media are using them - The Appledaily news use one photo and put it on the front page ,They must be paid you for them as they are great photographs,if don't ,I have a copy myself!job well done. http://www.appledaily.com.tw/template/twapple/index.cfm 2004/12/29 appledaily news Taiwan front page

Indian		29-Dec-2004 06:02
You can donate online athttp://pay.hindu.com/thrfpay/thrfpay.jsp This fund is managed by "The Hindu", leading newspaper in India.

markm		29-Dec-2004 05:57
Best Wishes to all, I cannot describe the emotions, Phuket is a regular place of visit for my wife and I.

Daniel		29-Dec-2004 05:36
Hi there - I've returned from Phi Phi Island about two weeks ago [Tonsai Village] - We've made quite a number of friends and would love to hear how people are doing there. If anyone has any information please let us know. Thanks, Dan from Toronto

Guest		29-Dec-2004 05:35
Hellmut, please contact me i would be interested to find out more about these images. many thanks , Maria

Allie		29-Dec-2004 05:25
Please donate to Americares.com They are sending many pallets of supplies to SE Asia One of the best things theyre doing is helping purify drinking water. VERY IMPORTANT ! PAX

v.		29-Dec-2004 05:14
dear all, I'm so sorry and sad for this case that happened in my country. I have link that took picture of people who death by this case. it not good to see. Just want to help them to find thier relatives. please send me your email if you need to get that link. regards,

C.A.V.		29-Dec-2004 04:52
I can not believe that you people are bickering over photos and other ridiculous stuff when this disaster has taken such a toll. What is the matter with you people?!!! Thank you for stopping to take these photos and putting yourself in harms way to let others know how horrible this is -we can pray and help in this situation. For those who are using the ability to write comments here to praise your own political views, life changes in a moment. It doesn't guarantee you tomorrow, so use your energy for something useful and take your negative, political comments elsewhere. Right now, these people need our compassion and prayer - there but for the grace of God could be us. I'm sure the photographer of these pictures is dealing with nightmares and pictures of horror he couldn't get in these pictures.

Clark		29-Dec-2004 04:48
Does anyone have any info on American tourist from Honolulu, Hawaii, Dennis (Daniel) Freitas?

B Knudsen		29-Dec-2004 04:41
My wife and I got married at the Sheraton Laguna in November of 2002. It breaks my heart to see the devastation caused by this natural disaster. Thanks for posting these pictures.

Guest		29-Dec-2004 04:39
If there were no photos like this (or mavies, video documentaries, etc.), how we, the ignorants of the other part of the world who has not seen any disaster, would know what the tsunami is? What these poor people faced? Please be realistic and stop giving negative feedbacks.

Guest		29-Dec-2004 04:28
Cut the crap, you ignorant jerks posting negative comments. You all wish you had taken these pictures yourself. So stop this holier than thou bashing and move on. Maybe some of you can start a relief fund for these victims. Now that is more positive.

Guest		29-Dec-2004 04:28
Cut the crap, you ignorant jerks posting negative comments. You all wish you had taken these pictures yourself. So stop this holier than thou bashing and move on. Maybe some of you can start a relief fund for these victims. Now that is more positive.

Cowichan Valley Camera Club		29-Dec-2004 04:21
Great photo-journalism. Yes, it's sad to see pictures of natural disasters such as these. However, with photos like these, I believe more people will be more willing to do something to help. Perhaps that is what this photographer had in mind afterwards. Not only am I going to pray for help for these people, but I am going to act on those prayers by giving to my favorite relief charity. As to all those people who feel that having these kind of photos posted is unethical, well you are entitled to your opinion. You also have freedom of choice. You knew the title of these photos and probably had an idea of what they were. So excercise your freedom of choice and don't look.... PS: If one does accept money for this, that's their business. Kathy

Craig		29-Dec-2004 04:05
Some of you liberals are pathedic in a tradegy like this. God Bless these people. Educate yourself on economics before you use a situation like this to further your socialist goals.

Roland Lam		29-Dec-2004 04:01
God bless the fallen souls

Guest		29-Dec-2004 03:22
Get some help, Sebastien...

Naf		29-Dec-2004 03:08
Do anyone find Mr. Ter Lecner and his wife Kosol Lacner they are in Bangnieang Khao Lak, If you have any news please contact 01 978 6619. we are very worry.

Sebastian		29-Dec-2004 02:36
Well instead of allowing these people to rely on tourism and wishing for God's love to help them. Why don't us civilised people actually try to prevent our governments from stealing from these people (WTO subsidies against the poor) and why don't we personally stop stealing from them and pay a just price for things while we are in their country instead of trying to bargain all the time. Have you ever tried to bargain in South East Asia? How much was your EOS camera? How much was that massage at the little hut that got washed away? How long would it take for the masseur to work to get out of poverty? Or to be able to stop working on your body for a few days and be able to form a movement to lobby government to put in place some Tsunami warning systems, better building infra-structures, health centres etc. Good on the SMH for using the pic for the full bleeder, makes you wonder ... Did you ask permission from that man clearly in distress swimming for his life to give the picture to the SMH? Did you get paid for that picture? Will you be able to buy the next EOS Mach X. Are you getting sponsorship from EOS/Cannon? Are you planning to get sponsorship from them. Unless you have family there, if you really want to help, I urge you to save the price of your airplane ticket and send the money directly to the red cross and pressure your western governments to send more aid, and to stop contributing to the suffering of the poor. Seb

Jeffrey Ady		29-Dec-2004 01:54
My many tears and sighs of grief for our good and gracious friends in the Southeast Asia and Indian Ocean regions. As a resident of Hawaii USA I know the fear of tsunamis. My Japanese friends and family know it as well. Each one of the perhaps 60,000 lost immediately and what many fear to be lost in the future to injury, disease and starvation is a monumental story of love, struggle, courage, brokenness and infinite individual value. My prayers are for them and for their families and friends--and for all of us.

Daniel Griffiths		29-Dec-2004 01:24
I live in England. Every year I meet my mother, who fly's from Australalia to meet me in Phuket. We go to Phuket because the people are the most friendly and the island is truely paradise in parts. We go there because we enjoy the pace and the hospitality of the locals. I shudder to think about what happened to the fishermen of Bang Tao beach. I watched with amazement as they navigated their hand made boats through the perfect blue last February. What happened to the two sisters who owned, managed and ran the massage parlour in the little village just back from the beach? And what of the children what has happened to them? There's an amazing little family run restaurant built over a canal - just back from the beach. I hope they are alright. I have a booking in February this year and will return to Phuket. I hope to find old friends and faces. The people of Phuket and the rest of Asia need our help now. Please continue to visit these areas once the enoughmous task of mourning and cleaning up is complete. The tourist dollar and the fishing industry was what these people rely on. Both were wiped out in a few moments. So send you donations now and don't cancel your flights. I intend to return the favour of hospitality extended to me by the Thai's by returning as planned. It really puts the Iraq conflict and the billions being spent on war and killing in context for me. My thoughts go out to all my friends in Phuket. May our gods be watching over them.

Wells		29-Dec-2004 01:05
First let me say how all of my thoughts and prayers go to the victims of this horrendous and immense tragedy. I am a photographer in San Francisco, and I am aware of some of the issues surrounding usage and distribution of photos of horrible events and dangerous situations...First of all, anyone in the position of the photographer during a chaotic, rapidly changing, and dangerous situation such as this should be primarily concerned with their own safety, and should act accordingly. Recklessly placing onesself in danger to try to either take photos or save others rarely improves the situation. Suggesting that the photographer drop his camera and rush to someone's aid is in this case is misguided. There is a great chance that he could have been pulled into the water. Forces like this are not to be trifled with on any level. Secondly, photos such as these, and others of victims, destruction, bodies, etc. in wars and natural disasters are immensely valuable in telling the story to the world. Aid organizations see a flood of contributions from people all over the world who are moved to give, and the more emotional, human, intimate, devastating, and tragic the photos are, and the wider and more complete the distribution of this material is, the greater and more immediate the response tends to be. People give to charities in cases like this compulsively, and the amount of giving seems to rise sharply, then tail off quickly, mirroring the media coverage. The relief In this case is and will surely continue to be massive, and much needed. However, just as food for thought, even if the death toll reaches 100,000 (which it very well may), it would take eight disasters like this one to equal one Rwanda. Media there was severely limited, there wasn't anyone or any place involved the western world could identify with like the tourists and resorts in the indian ocean, and as a result the international awareness and response was much less. Regarding the monetary issue, there are isolated cases of people selling their images to a free-market press for a goodly sum, and sometimes seemingly disproportionate fees are paid for a spectacular shot. However, no one who does this for a living does it for the money. Photojournalists who do this for a living do it because they care enough about humanity and their plights to put themselves in immense danger for (usually) a paltry reward, and have to scrape, hustle, and damn near get their a$$es shot off to get it done, and many pay the ultimate price. If you are a hapless tourist who gets a good shot, by all means squeeze the media outlets for money...then give it to an aid organization. I have a feeling the photog in this case will be haunted for years to come by the things he has seen, and armchair quarterbacking from some snivelling dork on the internet won't help. So if you are disturbed, distraught, etc by the pictures, give to your favorite relief organization, don't go quibbling on the internet about a situation you obviously had no part in. Then, match the amount you just gave by an equal sum a month later, and another a year after that. There is nothing more frustrating to aid orgs than seeing the funds dry up quickly for a disaster whose effects will last for years because Brittney's new boyfriend becomes more important to the media than the "old news" of something like this. Believe me, it will. Wells

travler		29-Dec-2004 00:28
For everyone who has been on the reciving end of Thai hopitality I recieved this from a business site I know in Thailand. You can send a few or more Baht to the American Red Cross to help in Thailand. Just earmark the funds for International Response Fund. Great photography thanks for sharing.

Kevin Long		29-Dec-2004 00:23
For the ignorant, I pray for you, for the wise, I do as well. This is a REAL tragedy and you have people thinking of making money! At least you cannot say it is only us Americans who are greedy and think about money. Children have died here. For all you ignorant, I really do pray! May GOD bless these people!

Dave		28-Dec-2004 23:59
Thank you for sharing your photos. My thoughts go out to all those effected by this tragic act of nature. It is sad, reading one of the most recent posts however, asking this guy if he made money from his photos. Only human beings would think of making money out of tradegy... Peace to you all!

steve		28-Dec-2004 23:43
Hoping to hear news of my friend Julia Tyndall of Sacramento, last heard from in Phuket. Please email steveenzer@aol.com. Thanks.

Grant		28-Dec-2004 23:24
Great photography work! Thank you for posting and sharing. Such a sad event. Everyone say some prayers Grant http://www.rtgconsultants.com/

Mervyn Haynes		28-Dec-2004 23:06
Just curious, did you make any money from these photos. I always wonder if I am lucky enough to be on a disaster scene with my camera, how I would go about profiting from my photos. You really capture the moment and the guy swirling in the torrent is a masterpiece - I'm really jealous of that one. I'm pleased he survived. It would be a nice idea to track him down and present him with a memento of his heroic struggle. Keep shooting!

Bill		28-Dec-2004 22:50
Some of the people berating the photographer for taking photos are idiots. That's what cameras are for; to record events however horrific they may be. Some people here probably think that cameras should only be used to take photos of kids cuddling cute puppies and kittems! They are also used to record life and death and tragedy and triumph. Before berating the man for shooting the photos you should have done some research as I did. If you had you would have found this: Moment of impact ... a man is engulfed by the rushing waters on the Thai island of Phuket. Photo: Hellmut Issels The hapless man captured on the front page of yesterday's Herald engulfed by a raging wall of water in the resort area of Phuket has survived. Contrary to reports that the body of the unidentified man had been found a kilometre away from the beach devastation, the photographer who took the shots that flashed around the world yesterday reported his astonishing escape. "Just a few seconds after I took this picture he was pulled up out of the water by a man from a porch. Thank God," Hellmut Issels said. http://www.smh.com.au/news/World/Amazing-escape/2004/12/28/1103996556610.html

Rob		28-Dec-2004 21:20
First, thank you for both taking these pictures, and posting them. It's such an important record of what happened, as for such a huge disaster there has been precious little visual record of what occurred at the time of impact. Second, shame on the Australian paper for editing the time sequence of events in using your photos for their gallery. They make a victim of the man whom you say was saved, that's not right. Thanks again!

R Moore		28-Dec-2004 21:08
These photos are powerful stuff. I like to think I'd be able to keep my hand steady enough to do the same, but I'm not sure. As for catching the drowning victim, you aren't the first to see tragedy whipping past too rapidly to do more than capture the moment. And probably not the first to be hectored by someone who doesn't consider the circumstances.

Curious about when		28-Dec-2004 20:22
Was this the initial tsunami wave or was it one of the aftershock waves? It looks like before the wave comes that the furniture is already scattered... just wondering... So sorry to hear that the men were swept away.

Brian		28-Dec-2004 19:56
Beth, You may breate the photographer all you want but.................... How far below him is that man in the water? How fast was he moving past? (I've seen news reports of the waves going 200+ MPH) What was he going to do? Jump in? People like you are absolutely ridiculous. Why don't you berate those others that are in a later pic? Like a previous poster stated. If you weren't there, you don't have the right to comment.

Wolf Morrison		28-Dec-2004 19:47
Thanks for posting these images...

Mark Smith		28-Dec-2004 19:22
Thanks for posting these Hellmut, I'm sure youre still upset by the Images that you've seen and recorded. To Mr Penske "The Idiot" That Man in the water was fighting for his life, your comments are sad and stupid 15,000 people have lost their lives (so far) I bet you're proud of your comments You Sir are just Human garbage.

guest		28-Dec-2004 19:11
I think you did a service to post these pictures. It is interesting that some people have critized you. It reminds me of the adage "No good deed goes unpunished".

Anna		28-Dec-2004 18:46
How dare you make sarcastic comments regarding this disaster! Shame on you! You obviously have absolutely no brain to understand what has happened!

Mel Penske		28-Dec-2004 18:36
Shit, sorry your vacation was ruined. I guess it will take a while to clean the pool out. Hope you had insurance. Can't believe that dumb fool swimming in such conditions. I was in Hawaii last year and there was a guy swimming about in huge waves, probably triathalon training or something.

maarge		28-Dec-2004 18:24
Thanks for sharing very interesting and informing. Marge

telizabeth		28-Dec-2004 18:17
In response to the comments that the photographer should have helped the man in the photo instead of taking the photo--Do you realize how fast this man was traveling in the water? He would be long gone by the time the photographer could have gotten a bedsheet or towel for him to grab onto! It is so easy to sit back and judge other people's actions when you aren't there to fully experience the situation. These situations happen in the blink of an eye--how easy it is for you to analyze it after the fact. Don't judge a person until you have walked in his/her shoes.

Matt Phillips		28-Dec-2004 17:56
Hellmut, Excellent photographs of the event. In your image VA7UO482 you captured three men at the bottom of the frame standing on a balcony. As it turns out the man with the white hair wearing sunglasses and holding snorkelling gear in his right hand is Tom Mackey. Tom is a very good friend of mine, we have known each other for over ten years now. Moments before the first wave hit the beach, Tom was snorkelling in the ocean as he enjoys doing almost everyday he's there. Obviously he was one of the very lucky ones. Thank you for making your pictures available to the world so quickly. Matt. Toronto,Ontario,Canada.

Beth		28-Dec-2004 17:46
I am very sad when I look at these photos. I must say that the photos you took give the viewer a real understanding of what happened and the devastation and sadness the people are facing and will continue to face for a very long time. ***However it also provides me with the image of a person struggling for life and the knowledge that you were more interested in your moment of glory rather than a chance to save that life. How dare you chose your camera and the image of a man struggling to live rather than the opportunity to save him! An article mentions that he passes right underneath your balcony and what do you do but to shoot his photo. How horrible it must have been for the drowning man to know that possibly the last chance of hope he had to live had a camera in his hand!! And to know that his life was worth nothing to you other than a moment in the spot light. And shame on the rest of you for condoning this! I am sure his family and friends would be horribly saddened to see the photos you took of his last moments alive and to realize that maybe there was a chance for him to live, if you had put the camera down and threw him the end of a sheet or blanket. Something, anything, that may have saved him. Even if it was impossible at least you could have tried. SHAME ON YOU...I see these photos as documentation that you may have contributed to a death. GREAT WORK, GREAT CAMERA…NOT A GREAT HUMAN!!.....Any money you make on these photos should go to the family of the man who you have in your photos or to help those who have been impacted by the Tsunami!

M. Dacey		28-Dec-2004 17:19
A friend of mine had pals staying at the same hotel and you captured them in one of your shots. Here's their exchange: Marc, Thanks for forwarding that website. When I first looked through it, I noticed the shot with the three guys standing on a balcony overlooking the incoming Tsunami....and so as it turns out, the guy with the white hair and sunglasses is our friend Tom. Unbelievable!. And note the snorkelling gear he's holding in his right hand, having just been out on the Indian Ocean/Andamann Sea before the waves hit!. So I forwarded the pic to Cindy and Tom in Thailand for confirmation........... MRP ----- Original Message ----- From: cindy wilson To: Matt Phillips Sent: Tuesday, December 28, 2004 10:22 Subject: Re: Looks Like Tom Oh my god, that is Tom. I am the one one a mile down the beach running for my life. Where did you get that. Thanks and Love,Cindy Will be in touch. Got a tetnis today and meds , so should sleep through the night. Matt Phillips wrote: Hey Tom, is that you on that balcony holding your snorkelling gear? 37888293.jpg

ernst		28-Dec-2004 15:37
does anybody know what damage the Burasari Hotel suffered?

pat		28-Dec-2004 15:26
It's really tragic: causing the sudden loss of so many lifes,and the agony of their beloved who are still alive!!

Albert		28-Dec-2004 15:25
Son imatges esfereïdores de la tragedia. I pensar que fins al dia abans hi tenia alla el meu fill en viatge de noces!

jeremy		28-Dec-2004 14:54
amazing sequence of photos there. hope your note is correct regarding the fate of the man in the photo rather than what's in the newspaper article.

David Laidler		28-Dec-2004 14:53
Hellmut, are you interested in Getty Images news service distributng these images for you? please email me soonest. David

Roby		28-Dec-2004 14:10
God Bless Everybody That Is Living That Tragedy !!!

Konstantinos		28-Dec-2004 13:01
I stayed in Dusit Laguna the hotel right next door until last Sunday (6 days before the earthquake). Any idea on the damage there ? I read somewhere that these 2 hotels bore the brunt of the surge!

Guest		28-Dec-2004 13:00
I can't start to truly comprehend the scope of this disaster. Even with all the destruction and death shown by the media. My heart goes out to those affected.

nic		28-Dec-2004 12:26
well..it the most sad thing happened.. even..at my place(Malaysia), i can feel the shake even its far away from here hope those lost thier home and lost their family will going fine soon..

��		28-Dec-2004 12:21
Ýòî î÷åíü ñòðàøíàÿ òðàãåäèÿ, Óêðàèíà ñêîðáèò âìåñòå ñî âñåìè ;(

Keith Wong		28-Dec-2004 11:46
Helmut, today's "Australian" newspaper (at www.news.com.au) reported that the body of the man you photographed was "found one kilometer away". Maybe you should write to them and correct their error. Your images are absolutely compelling. Thank you for sharing them with us.

Adalberto Tiburzi		28-Dec-2004 11:26
Superb reportage, thank you.

jay		28-Dec-2004 10:52
I was not in Thailand or any of the countries in this disaster but I also feel so sad about that by watching the news on TV..etc. I really hope everybody is ok. And also hope all of you can help the victims by donations, blessing.. or any means.

Eve		28-Dec-2004 10:04
People...Im Thai people, but live in Bangkok so Im still alive for this shit that been happen...But everytime when I see all those pics i coundn't stop myself to cry. I used to travel in south of thailand last year. Krabi and Phiphi is my faver place and its will be in my memory.. This year very sad for us, all thai people helping each orther and really sorry for all of foreigners that came here and could not be safe...and go back home.. Evana...

mr.x		28-Dec-2004 09:29
Great work. Very solid photographs. You may have some of the best photographs of the initial surge from the beach and not afar yet. These things will probably end up reprinted somewhere important. I would stamp copyrighted on all of your online pictures.

igor		28-Dec-2004 09:03
Really, it's tragedy... Thanks to author. I hope there wasn't victims in that beautyfull place. To those who interest - fotos after the tragedy :http://homepage.mac.com/avarenov/PhotoAlbum1.html I have no words...

wwxx01		28-Dec-2004 07:58
Good luck for everyone.

Guest		28-Dec-2004 07:40
Luckily, only a fews room are totally destroy by the tsunami and since they have lagoon, it absorbs much of the wave. You can see from the picture ... Only a mess in the area. A beachfront Thai restaurant (on the left hand from where this picture was taken is gone sadly.

Guest		28-Dec-2004 05:38
Thank You, Your Pictures are very telling of a horrible tragedy. Glad to hear you and the guy floating made it. Prayers for those who will continue to suffer in this Tragedy. Regards, Joe

hellmut issels		28-Dec-2004 05:10
No, just a few seconds after I took this picture he was pulled up out of the water by a man from a porch. Thank God.

click on thumbnails for full image