World Unites in Biggest Relief and Rescue Operation as Tsunami Death Toll Mounts in Southern Asia

New Delhi – In the wake of a massive 9.0–magnitude earthquake and 20–foot tidal waves that struck over the weekend, killing thousands across southern Asia, faith–based Aid agencies and governments around the world have begun pouring relief supplies into the affected nations.

A 9.0–magnitude earthquake – followed by other tremors – struck 100 miles off the coast of Indonesia's Sumatra Island, triggering off 30–50 feet tall tidal waves that swept across the Indian Ocean, deluging the coasts of Sri Lanka, India, Indonesia, Thailand, Bangladesh, Burma, Malaysia and the Maldives.

At least 60,000 people were reported dead by Thursday morning, and the toll was expected to rise. Thousands of people are still missing and the relief teams are trying to get a general idea of the hardest–hit areas.