Brazil is considering sending troops in humanitarian assistance to the Asian countries battered by the Dec. 26 earthquake and tsunamis.
Presidential spokesman Andre Singer said Saturday the country has set up centers for collecting donations for the victims of the Indian Ocean catastrophe, which hit eight Asian and three African countries.
The Brazilian army is ready to send troops to fulfill humanitarian duties, he added.
Several Indian Ocean rim countries underwent unprecedented humanitarian disaster in the wake of the massive tidal waves which claimed more than 155,000 lives and made an estimated 5 million homeless. The United Nations (UN) warned that the death toll could surge without immediate supply of food, potable water, housing, clothing and medical attention.
Brazil said it will put at the disposal of the Asian countries planes and helicopters for humanitarian tasks.
A magnitude-8.7 deep-sea earthquake occurred off the northwest coast of Sumatra Island, Indonesia on Dec. 26, 2004, spawning massive tsunamis which devastated the coastlines of countries from Indonesia to Somalia.
Two Brazilians are confirmed dead and 53 others listed as missing in the tsunamis. Brazil has sent 637 tons of food, water and medicine to the victims of the disaster, according to official figures.
A worldwide campaign to raise donations was launched and so far the UN has received pledges of 4 billion US dollars in donations. Many countries sent rescue workers and aid supplies to the region, including military personnel and equipment.
(Xinhua News Agency January 9, 2005)
