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US committed to helping build disaster-resilient communities, says Kerry
Lessons learned: Members of the US military pass bags of rice to aid workers for distribution via helicopter in this Jan
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Lessons learned: Members of the US military pass bags of rice to aid workers for distribution via helicopter in this Jan. 24, 2005 file photo. (Courtesy of the US Embassy) (Courtesy of the US Embassy)
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span class="caption">Lessons learned: Members of the US military pass bags of rice to aid workers for distribution via helicopter in this Jan. 24, 2005 file photo. (Courtesy of the US Embassy)
US Secretary of State John Kerry says the US government is committed to helping countries in regions affected by the Indian Ocean tsunami 10 years ago build safer and more resilient communities.
'On this day of reflection, we mourn with our friends in Asia and Africa who were affected by this terrible disaster,' Kerry said in a statement to mark the 10th anniversary of the Indian Ocean tsunami, made available to The Jakarta Post on Wednesday.
'We commit to the hard work still ahead to help the region build safer, more resilient communities. And we pledge our best efforts to leave our children and grandchildren a safer and more sustainable planet. Future generations are counting on us,' he said.
The Indian Ocean tsunami that occurred on Dec. 26, 2004 claimed nearly 200,000 lives.
'I'll never forget hearing the news of the tsunami that struck in the Indian Ocean 10 years ago. The images were gut-wrenching: entire towns razed from Indonesia to Somalia; raging waters sweeping away people's homes; hundreds of thousands killed and many more separated from their families,' said Kerry.
'Today of all days, we pause to remember those we lost ' from farmers and fishers to travelers from our own lands. I know that there are no words to express such a horrific loss. There's no way to wipe away the pain of parents who lost a child, or children who lost their parents and were forced to assume adult responsibilities at a tender age,' he said, while also recognizing the millions of people who contributed to the recovery effort.
Kerry went on to say that the tsunami was one of the worst that the world had ever seen, but it brought out the best in countries worldwide. It also sounded a warning, he added.
'We know that many regions are already suffering historic floods and rising sea levels. And scientists have been saying for years that climate change could mean more frequent and disastrous storms, unless we stop and reverse course,' he said.
The US Secretary of State later shared his experience when he visited the Philippines and saw the devastation following Typhoon Haiyan last year.
"It is incomprehensible that that kind of storm ' or worse ' could become the norm. The time to act on climate change is now ' before it's too late to heed the warning,' said Kerry. (ebf)
