Over the past week, we have been inundated with pictures and stories from tsunami stricken areas.

From Sri Lanka, India and the Andaman Islands, to Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia, we have received news of the terrible loss of lives, deteriorating conditions, and impending epidemics that may break out if emergency action is not taken.

It is estimated that more than 150,000 lives have been lost in the 12 countries affected by this catastrophe which struck on Dec 26.

There is also news of a worldwide donation drive to finance urgent emergency aid. Governments alone have pledged up to US$2 billion, with the largest contribution, US$500,000, to come from Japan.

Military equipment and personnel have been deployed to the worst affected areas in order to distribute aid. The United States, India, Singapore, New Zealand, and Australia are among those who have sent navy vessels, medical teams, and helicopters to assist in relief operations.

On Thursday, a summit will be held in Jakarta to discuss international responses to the disaster. It will be attended by heads of Asean member-states, UN Secretary General Kofi Annan and world leaders.

However, governments, international agencies, and movie stars are not the only ones rallying to help victims. People from all walks of life are trying their best to send assistance to the suffering as well.

Apart from donating to the various funds set up by media groups and humanitarian organisations, ordinary people have been volunteering their time and energy to collect, pack and ship aid directly to disaster areas.

Voluntary effort

In Malaysia, Vivekananda Ashram in Jalan Tun Sambanthan, Kuala Lumpur, has been a hive of activity with individuals dropping off bags of clothes, medicines and food to be sent to Sri Lanka.

This initiative of the Tamil Foundation, Vivekananda Ashram, and the Malaysian Indian Youth Council arose out of concern that aid may not reach certain parts of Sri Lanka.

"Places such as Batticola, Amparai and Jaffna are badly hit, and they are not receiving sufficient aid. We are concerned that people in rebel-controlled areas will not be provided immediate assistance, despite the immense needs and losses they have faced," said a co-ordinator.

"We have been overwhelmed by the response of people. We have had many different groups volunteering with us and people of all ages and backgrounds," said a co-ordinator.

He said a team of disabled people came in to sort out clothes. Children, the elderly, and a group of Scouts worked from morning to night, collecting and packing donations.

Companies and individuals in Singapore have also sent aid. Over the New Year, employees at Clarion Logistics, a cargo company, worked tirelessly to collect, pack food, water, medicines and clothes into 20-foot containers to be shipped to Sri Lanka.

S Janapriya, a partner in Clarion Logistics, explained: "The Sri Lankan Embassy approached us to collect food, clothes, and medicines. We put the word out to clients, friends and families, and the response was amazing. We received lorry-loads of new clothes and food, until the embassy couldn't accept any more."

"We didn't want to waste the donations, and decided to pay for the shipping to send aid to those who really need it. Six containers full of donated items are being sent...so long as people are willing to contribute, we will continue to send aid," she said, expressing the hope that there will be sponsorship of containers.

The aid will be received and distributed by media stations and humanitarian organisations in various parts of Sri Lanka.

A Singapore-based Sri Lankan engineer , who helped with the packing, explained: "We wanted to really help those affected by the tsunami. We phoned and emailed our friends, who passed on the message, and created collection and distribution points so that people knew where to send their donations."

Another Singaporean, a mother of two, said: "We are deeply affected by the disaster, and wanted to do all we could to help those who were suffering."

All across Singapore and Malaysia, places of worship, students associations and professional organisations are rallying to provide assistance. Some plucky volunteers have even decided to travel to the disaster stricken areas, loaded with medicines and relief supplies, to see how they can help.

The suffering and loss that has occurred has evoked compassion in the hearts of people all over the world. May these efforts, no matter how small, contribute to saving the lives of those who are searching for a means of survival.

ALICE NAH is a researcher based in Kuala Lumpur. She is also the Refugee Affairs Co-ordinator of the National Human Rights Society.