Tsunami stories: UN agency aims to set up warning system

The United Nations scientific agency will lead efforts to set up a provisional tsunami warning system in the Indian Ocean within 18 months at a cost of more than US$30 million ($43 million).

The provisional system will precede work on a global early warning system, which is expected to be ready by the end of 2007.

World leaders have called for a tsunami warning system in the Indian Ocean to make sure there is never a repeat of the Boxing Day disaster.

Australians mourn

Australians will join in grief this Sunday to remember those who were killed, or whose lives were shattered in the tsunami tragedy.

A minute's silence will be observed at 11.59am (1.59 pm NZ time). Fifteen Australians have been confirmed dead.

In Western Australia, people will gather on the shores of the Indian Ocean for a multi-faith memorial service.

The Surfrider Foundation has called on surfers to form rings of remembrance at beaches around the country on the day as a gesture of respect to tsunami victims.

Generosity repaid

The families of victims of the September 11, 2001, attacks on the United States have donated more than $108,000 for tsunami relief, returning the generosity afforded them by a group of Sri Lankan Buddhists in the New York area.

After the September 11 attacks, the Buddhist group gave $1000 cheques to any family who approached them at an assistance centre set up to help after the attacks.

Pop singer offers help

Puerto Rican pop singer Ricky Martin met Thai officials in Bangkok yesterday to discuss the fate of children orphaned by the tsunami.

Martin said he would make a donation to help Thai orphans through his foundation, according to a Government spokesman.

Rock star Sting was also in Bangkok yesterday to perform a concert scheduled before the tsunami hit.

Sting planned to donate US$20,000 ($28,970) to tsunami victims, and the concert organisers planned to give a further US$50,000.

- AGENCIES