There are reports that Guyana’s President Bharrat Jagdeo has declared today, January 5, a ‘Day of National Mourning’ for the lives lost in the boxing day tsunami disaster in which 150000 people have already died. This number looks set to rise as the recovery operation continues - it is feared that ‘tens of thousands’ could still perish in Indonesia alone.During the same announcement it was also indicated that the government shall be donating US$50000 - to the United Nations Children’s Fund. It is estimated that there are some 1.5 million children affected by this gross natural disaster - many of whom have been left orphaned.

Heartbeatnews.com reports that in a statement yesterday, the PPP/Civic government said all flags will be flown at half-staff at all ministries and government entities.

Countries affected by the catastrophe include Sri Lanka, India, Indonesia, Thailand, Myanmar, Malaysia, Bangladesh, Tanzania, Kenya and Somalia.

The worst hit was Indo owing to its proximity to the epicentre of the earthquake.
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