RESOLUTION No. 36284

Express sympathy and support to the victims of the Southeast Asia earthquake and tsunami disaster (Resolution)

WHEREAS, on Sunday, December 26, 2004, a magnitude 9.0 earthquake struck off the West Coast of Northern Sumatra causing a catastrophic tsunami in the Indian Ocean; and

WHEREAS, this major earthquake and tsunami has impacted several nations in Southeast Asia including Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India, Thailand, Somalia, Malaysia, Maldives, Myanmar, Tanzania, and South Africa, causing over 150,000 fatalities, thousands of medical casualties, over 5 million displaced families, and major infrastructure damage; and

WHEREAS, this tragic event has caused deep sorrow across the country and around the world, as people everywhere, primarily the families, friends and loved ones of the victims, and also the millions who empathize with their pain, have felt this shocking loss of life; and

WHEREAS, this international grief has galvanized the best in humanity as nations around the world are assisting and contributing to the largest disaster relief effort in this century’s history;

WHEREAS, quickly and decisively, Portlanders have also reached out to help in numerous and varied ways, from those who have contributed much-needed clothing, supplies and financial assistance, to citizen volunteers who have traveled to Southeast Asia to assist in any way they can; and

WHEREAS, the corporate and small business community of Portland has also reached out with a helping hand, providing much-needed financial assistance, personnel, and equipment to aid the victims and the international disaster relief effort; and

WHEREAS, on January 1, 2005, President Bush signed a proclamation calling for U.S. flags to be flown at half-staff this week to honor the victims of this tragedy;

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that we, the Mayor and members of the City Council of the City of Portland, assembled this 5^th day of January, 2005, do hereby extend our most heartfelt condolences to the families, friends, and loved ones of the victims of this tragic natural disaster; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City of Portland extends its deepest sympathy and support to the Portland South Asian community who grieve for their nations’ suffering and look for comfort from fellow Portlanders; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, this resolution is non-binding city policy.

Adopted by the Council: January 05, 2005    GARY BLACKMER

Auditor of the City of Portland

Mayor Potter

Prepared by:  Miguel Ascarrunz          By /S/ Susan Parsons

January 5, 2005                  Deputy

BACKING SHEET INFORMATION

AGENDA NO. 26-2005

ORDINANCE/RESOLUTION/COUNCIL DOCUMENT NO. 36284