News Releases
Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - December 27, 2004
Contact:  Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136

Gov. Gary Locke’s Statement on Tsunami Devastation in South Asia

Gov. Gary Locke today released the following statement on the earthquake and tsunamis in South Asia that have killed at least 22,000 people:

“Mona and I extend our deepest sympathies to the families and loved ones of those killed in South Asia. Entire villages have been wiped out in this disaster. Millions more people have been driven from their homes. It is difficult to imagine the level of destruction caused by these enormous tsunamis.

“Individuals can contact the U.S. State Department toll free at 888-407-4747 for information about U.S. citizens affected by the tragedy. Those seeking information also can contact the department's Office of American Citizens Services and Crisis Management at 202-647-5225.

“Although the risk to Washington state in this instance was extremely minimal, these destructive acts of nature remind us of the need to be prepared in the event such an incident occurs in our region. Our state Emergency Management Division, in coordination with federal and local agencies, has taken steps to provide early warning in the event a tsunami is headed toward Washington. Emergency evacuation plans have been prepared for our coastal communities.”

# # #

Related Link: http://emd.wa.gov/3-map/mit/eq-tsunami/tsunamibrochure.htm





» Return to this month's News Releases
» View News Release Archive

Access Washington