Mayor Nickels' Letter to City Employees
Regarding the Tsunami in Southeast Asia

12/29/04

Dear Employees,

Living in the Northwest, we are accustomed to the constant possibility of an earthquake. Almost exactly 10 years ago, on January 17, 1995, the Kobe earthquake killed 5,400 and injured more than 10,000. That was a terrible reminder of what can happen when the earth moves, but Sunday’s earthquake and tsunami is many times worse.

Like yours, my family and I have grieved as the death toll in Southeast Asia continues to rise. The numbers of dead and injured will likely increase as those countries face illness and disease. Harder to measure is the emotional pain of families who have lost so much: loved ones, homes and livelihoods.

I have always been proud to live in Seattle, but today, I am also grateful. We have so much, and if we all do a little, we can do so much.

If you would like to learn about how to help the tsunami victims, visit the United States Agency for International Development. They have an excellent list of organizations who are working in the region. You can also call the American Red Cross at (800) HELP-NOW.

Thank you and Happy New Year.

Sincerely,

GREG NICKELS
Mayor