WASHINGTON, Dec. 29 -- PRNewswire/ AsiaNet As of Noon today, just three days after a powerful tsunami impacted countries in southern Asia and eastern Africa, Americans have generously contributed approximately $18 million to the American Red Cross International Response Fund, which supports both immediate and long term relief efforts for disaster victims in countries outside the United States. Immediately after the earthquake, the American Red Cross established contact with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and our sister societies located in the nine affected countries to determine how best the organization can be of assistance to those affected by the tsunami. Typically, the American Red Cross, through our International Response Fund, provides our international partners with trained personnel, relief supplies and/or direct monetary assistance. "I'm heartened that the American people are turning to the American Red Cross as a conduit for their compassion and concern for the families affected by the tsunami in Asia," said Marsha J. Evans, President and CEO of the American Red Cross. Currently, senior leadership at the American Red Cross are in close coordination with our international partners to determine the scope of the monetary needs that exist as a result of this disaster, and, in the coming weeks, will make informed decisions as to how best to support this expansive international relief effort through direct cash assistance. "The American Red Cross will be as transparent as possible. I want to assure donors that their intent will be honored and their contributions to the International Response Fund will be used to meet the needs of earthquake victims in the days, week and months ahead," Evans continued. When international disasters strike, the American Red Cross has personnel trained in three key competency areas: water sanitation services, family linking and reunification and relief supply distribution. Today, an American Red Cross water sanitation engineer was deployed to the Maldives and two relief workers are on route to Sri Lanka and Indonesia. Additionally, an American Red Cross team of workers trained in relief supply distribution will likely be deployed to the affected areas in the next 24-48 hours. The American Red Cross is also coordinating with other societies on how to evenly distribute a stockpile of $350,000 worth of relief supplies pre-positioned in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. These supplies include tents, blankets, tarps, plastic sheeting and hygiene kits. You can help those affected by this crisis and countless others around the world each year by making a financial gift to the American Red Cross International Response Fund, which will provide immediate relief and long-term support through supplies, technical assistance and other support to help those in need. Call 1-800-HELP NOW or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish). Contributions to the International Response Fund may be sent to your local American Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross International Response Fund, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013. Internet users can make a secure online contribution by visiting http://www.redcross.org. SOURCE: American Red Cross CONTACT: American Red Cross, Disaster Public Affairs, +1-202-303-5551 Web site: http://www.redcross.org --Distributed by AsiaNet (www.asianetnews.net)--