http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,3-1416404,00.htmlBritish help on the way
The British Government swang into action during the early hours of Boxing Day, the instant news began to arrive on the devastation in Asia.
Jack Straw, the Foreign Secretary, said: “For all the huge advances in the control of our lives through science and technology an earthquake on this scale is truly humbling as well as profoundly tragic for everyone involved.
“Messages of condolence from the British Government have been sent to the governments of India, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Sri Lanka and the Maldives along with offers of practical assistance. These are being co-ordinated between the FCO, DFID and MOD.
“As soon as the news came through in the small hours of this morning our emergency plans for such as situation were activated. In London Consular officials were called back from leave, regional Rapid Deployment Teams in Hong Kong and Kuala Lumpur put on stand-by. Our Ambassador in Thailand, David Fall and staff are on their way to Phuket. Every effort is being made by British High Commission Staff in Colombo, Sri Lanka (which also covers the Maldives) to provide assistance.