More than 20 countries* around the Pacific Rim will participate in a pre-arranged tsunami scenario from 28 to 30 October. Testing the UNESCO-initiated Pacific Tsunami Warning and Mitigation System (PTWS), the drill aims to evaluate the system, increase preparedness and improve coordination throughout the region.

"Exercise Pacific Wave 08" will simulate a Tsunami Warning situation, requiring countries to make decisions and take all preliminary steps short of alerting the public.

According to the scenario, a powerful

A long month of flooding in southern Malaysia has increased the misery of residents of the area. Although the government has provided aid and emergency funds for displaced persons, some flood victims cannot claim such support. These people are refugees without Malaysian citizenship who depend on NGOs to provide aid.

On 3 Jan, the UN High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) visited the affected area to assess the conditions on the ground. In facing these floods, UNHCR is not able to provide assistance alone, and invited Tzu Chi Kuala Lumpur to work together to bring much-needed

Washington, D.C. - On January 17, U.S. Ambassador to Malaysia Christopher J. LaFleur declared a disaster in Malaysia due to the effects of the flooding in the country. As a result, the U.S. Government, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), announced that it will provide $50,000 through the U.S. Embassy to the Malaysian Red Crescent Society to support emergency flood relief efforts. These activities include the local purchase of relief supplies and logistical support, and the return and initial recovery of flood-affected populations.

Singapore Red Cross (SRC) sent a 2nd team to Johor on 27 December 2006. The eleven man team, delivered much needed items such as diapers (20 cartons), baby formula (10 cartons), Milo powder (5 cartons) and blankets (15 cartons, totaling 400 pieces) totaling approximately 10,000 ringgit. These items complemented those sent to Kota Tinggi by the 1st team on Christmas Eve, 24 December 2006 which comprised of corned beef, sardines, curry, rice, sugar and toiletries.

Part of the SRC team was Ms Clarissa Wang, Chairperson of Detachment 1, Adult Volunteer Division. A veteran