[Sherwin]

Originally posted by ThinkInsane:
Not according to everyone they interviewed on Talk of the Nation the other day. They were all adamant that Buying the supplies as close as possible is the most effective and quickest way to get help to the victims. Our local branch of the Red Cross is begging people to stop dropping of supplies and donate money instead, even if that means you donate through another organization. They've even aired radio spots to that effect.

Originally posted by voyageur:
Remember that on the mainland, only a very narrow strip of land along the coast is actually affected. So it is much more cost-effective to go inland a bit to buy food and get uncontaminated water. Several aid groups have made this point,.

However, for the people on smaller islands, like the Maldives, Nicobar and Andamans, it's another story. These people will need supplies flown in.

Not saying you guys are wrong but here's a few interesting observations from today's TV viewing to add into the mix... Loads of aid is sitting at airports 'coz they ain't got any fuel for transporting it to where it's needed. Loads of aid flights (from here in one report and from somewhere local in another) are transporting bottled water.

I'm thinking along the lines of they're gonna need supplies from outside the area 'coz there's only so much they can get from their local areas before it runs out. I remember the fuel strike here a couple of years back and it was less than a week before you literally couldn't buy food from anywhere. :/