PORTLAND, Ore. - December 27, 2004 - The Oregon Trail Chapter is busy processing inquiries about the South Asia disaster while still managing the daily task of helping families recover from residential fires. In December, more than 64 Oregonians have been displaced by fire.

The Oregon Trail Chapter has received about a dozen welfare inquiry calls from local residents trying to find loved ones in South Asia. All of the calls have been about family members vacationing in the area, not loved ones residing in the region. Although many have not yet heard from loved ones yet, one Oregonian was successfully emailing family. Calling is nearly impossible.

In the days immediately following the disaster, the American Red Cross is unable to service any international disaster welfare inquiries because Red Cross and Red Crescent personnel in the affected areas are consumed with the daunting task of taking care of emergency physical needs of disaster victims such as shelter, food, clean water and emergency medical care.

Calls regarding U.S. citizens should be referred to the U.S. State Department at 1 (888) 407-4747. Due to the large volume of calls this number is receiving, it may be difficult to get through.

The Oregon Trail Chapter will not be sending local volunteers internationally to assist. The Chapter is part of an intricate network of emergency responders and resources pre-positioned around the world. The best thing Oregonians can do right now is make a charitable contribution to support international relief efforts - and support local disaster relief efforts by volunteering to respond to residential fires. Call (503) 528-5649 for more information.

The Oregon Trail Chapter is one of 900 American Red Cross chapters in U.S. The American Red Cross is one of 180 Red Cross and Red Crescent societies around the world. These societies are a part of the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, which deploys resources and emergency workers around the world when a natural disaster occurs. The American Red Cross is currently sending personnel and relief to the affected area.

The Red Cross already has a strong presence in the region and has responded to several major disasters in recent years, such as the Gujart earthquake in India in 2001. We are getting preliminary reports from our counterparts in the area regarding scope and scale of this disaster.

Please call (503) 284-1234 for more information or click here to make an online donation.

Checks should be made payable to:

American Red Cross
Oregon Trail Chapter
PO Box 4125
Portland, OR 97208

Please indicate that on the check that you would like your donation to go to the International Response Fund.

When making donations in light of the tragedy in South Asia and end of year giving, please also remember local families affected by residential fires.

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