In Sri Lanka, medical assistance and emergency food and water distributions began shortly after the tsunami struck. Distributions of food, water, medical supplies, well pumps (to remove sea water from drinking wells), clothing, candles and blankets will expand and continue over the next days and weeks to meet the needs of 10,000 families.

At least 62 indigenous missionary ministries who are associated with Christian Aid Mission are expected to be involved in relief efforts to the devastated countries. Within hours of the tsunami's strike, missionary teams were delivering loads of emergency relief to tidal wave victims in coastal areas.

"They didn't wait for foreign assistance," said Dr. Bob Finley of Christian Aid Mission, "but mobilized their meager resources immediately to aid the homeless victims - and now they need our help to carry on and finish the job of giving aid in the name of Christ."

"The efforts will go on for months," said Sarla Mahara, India Director for Christian Aid, "because it will take that long to replace tens of thousands of homes and hundreds of churches that have been destroyed."

Christian Aid staff are also assessing the damage in Thailand and Indonesia where many of the 32 ministries supported by Christian Aid there are already sending volunteers and aid to the most affected areas.

Mercy Ships is also responding to deliver aid to areas in Asia affected by the tsunamis. Working in collaboration with an international aid organization already on the ground in Sri Lanka, Mercy Ships will be shipping a container of emergency medical and relief supplies to Sri Lanka.

Mercy Ships, a global charity, has operated a growing fleet of hospital ships in developing nations since 1978.