Church World Service: The devastation at every level of life is so profound in the Aceh province that the world cannot leave the tsunami-ruined Indonesian region to rebuild on its own, the head of international humanitarian agency Church World Service said today.
Returning from a week-long tour of the Indonesian province a month after the deadly Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami, CWS Executive Director Rev. John L. McCullough said, "Survivors in Aceh are beginning to pick up their lives, but the needs continue to be almost overwhelming. This territory cannot be left idle or left in the lurch to rebuild.
"Recovery of the dead is still going on  and the international community is very much involved," McCullough said. "But the world community must stay focused and present for what will be long-term recovery in these worst-hit tsunami regions."
McCullough echoed a plea from the United Nations for world governments to keep their pledge promises for tsunami recovery. According to the UN, almost two-thirds of the money promised by governments to help the millions of people affected by the tsunami has yet to be received by the UN.
As has happened in previous disasters, some countries have failed to contribute the funds pledged. So far, only $US360 million has been received – little more than a third of the total $US977 million needed for the projected first six months of emergency phase relief work.
