Vatican City (Fides Service) - After the vast media coverage and unprecedented international solidarity efforts to help victims of the 26 December tsunami in south East Asia, there is a danger that once the spotlight is dimmed, the condition and needs of the people may be forgotten. Whereas in the months to come the homeless (an estimated 5 million people), families, orphaned children who suffered such serious material and psychological damage will need ongoing attention.
Donor countries must keep their promises, the media must continue to jeep interest alive and report on the social and economic rebuilding in the affected areas.
For its part Fides will devote part of its news service every Wednesday and Saturday to reports on the situation in the regions affected by the tsunami, progress in aid programmes, the work and hopes of missionaries and volunteers involved in providing assistance and care to the survivors and much more.
(PA) (Agenzia Fides 19/01/2005 righe 19 parole 203)