TSUNAMI DISASTER - QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
John Farrington travelled to Thailand to try and make a difference to the survivors of the tragedy.Many of you emailed your questions through to John. A selection, along with John's answers, are published below.Q. Gill Edmeston
Hello John, you were drawn and you went and you made a difference. If there is anything that you can suggest I could do, apart from the obvious of giving money, please let me know. I would like to help in any way I can, but most particularly by doing something. A. Take a good look at your resources and use them to the best of your ability, whether that's time or money. I aware that there's still a huge need for voluntary assistance in many fields. Q. Jan
John, well done to you. I am hoping to be part of a medical rescue
team waiting to go out to Bande Aceh. One of our colleagues has gone out there to establish the whys, wherefores and hows. We are currently waiting in anticipation for news of our expected departure date. We have been frantically fundraising to support ourselves and have received many donations and pledges from various companies and people. Obviously, we are anxious
to get going but feel a little concerned as we really have no idea what to expect. It is our intention to go out with a full team of Drs and Nurses to carry out surgical procedures and be as much help as we can. Can you give me any information that will help? Such as, are we still needed? Is there medical aid there? Is there work
for us to do?  | | Many areas have been totally devastated by the tidal wave |
A. I'm afraid I'm unaware of the day-to-day situation in Bande Aceh, however I'm sure that your help will be much appreciated once you arrive. There is so much to do in the regions hit by the tsunami. I'd also suggest that you travel to the region with the willingness to pitch-in wherever needed; as it may be that your professional skills are not required unless you've gone through official channels. Q. Steven
Did you meet many other people from the UK that had done what you were doing and went over to help? A. I didn't meet anyone else from the UK who had travelled to Khao Lak, the volunteers who arrived after me where already travelling in region. Q. Andrew Lynock (14-years-old)
I cant imagine what it felt like going out there. What was the journey on the flight there like thinking that you were on your way to the place the whole world were talking about because of the horrifying display what had happened there and you were going to help there? A. Hi Andrew,
I was a little scared, as I had no idea what I would be doing when I got there and I didn't know where I would be staying. I'm very aware that each of us as individuals can contribute to making the world a better place, and together we can make a huge difference. Q. Peter A. O'Sullivan
When where you over there? Is there any specific item you felt was lacking from your time there, that would be specifically beneficial to both the victims and volunteers?  | | Charities and volunteers are working hard to distribute relief |
A. I left the UK on Dec 28th and arrived back on Jan 11th. Dealing with such a chaotic situation and due to the size of the devastation, it's difficult to pinpoint what was lacking in specific terms. As a volunteer, all basic human needs where met (food, water and a floor to sleep on), as for the victims who lost everything there's certainly a need to offer inspiration and hope for the future, especially to the children. Q. Jonni Papworth
Did you feel you made a difference helping with the relief work? A. I may have made a tiny difference to the relief efforts; I strongly believe that together we can make a tremendous difference. Q. Rachel
What made you choose Thailand over the other areas that had been hit by the disaster? Had you been before as a tourist? A. It was simply the fact that the cheapest ticket I could find was a flight to Bangkok. My original thought was to travel to India but I had limited financial resources. I had never been to the Asian Pacific before. Q. Frank
What can we do to help, I would like to make a difference. We have unused antibiotics and clothing, is it worth sending this in and how do I do that? A. I'm sure the Disaster Emergency Committee can advise you on how to donate medical supplies. Oxfam will welcome your clothing; you can request that the items are sent to victims of the tsunami. Q. Becky
Where there any success stories when you were there, ie. People re-united with family? A. I didn't personally come across any success stories in Khao Lak. I only met one person who survived the tsunami in Khao Lak but he had lost his best friend. Q. Chris
I would love to go out there to help but see advertised requests for professional volunteers. I would be on my own ( a single woman) Would this be a good idea? A. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend that you should go there if you feel that you may be able make a difference. Thailand is a very safe place for single female travellers as the Thai people are very gracious and extraordinarily friendly. If you turn up (as an individual) I'm certain you'll be welcomed and found a role; there's lots of cleaning to be done! Your positive actions can contribute to making the world a better place; no matter how small your part is. | 
听听Inside Out - North West: Monday January 24, 2005
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