News & Media releases

Shell response to Tsunami disaster in Asia

31/12/2004

Our deepest sympathy goes to all those who have been affected by this terrible tragedy. In order to support disaster relief work, the Royal Dutch/Shell Group of Companies (Shell), which has operations and historic links with many of the affected countries in the region, is taking the following actions.

We now believe that all Shell staff in the countries most seriously affected - Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India, Thailand, and Malaysia - have been accounted for and are safe, but efforts are still being made to account for Shell employees who may have been on holiday in the region.

In terms of disaster relief, our primary objective has been to focus on providing immediate local support on the ground to local communities through our Shell operations in affected countries. This includes the provision of fuel for rescue transport in Thailand, and the supply of water tanks in Sri Lanka.

Shell is donating $3 million to disaster relief efforts in the region. $2million will be donated locally, and distributed through our operating companies in Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India, Thailand, and Malaysia to relief funds. We expect other local Shell schemes around the world to deliver a further 1$m, such as the donation to relief funds of 5 cents for every litre of petrol and diesel sold in Singapore during the coming week. In many countries such schemes are matching the contributions of individual Shell staff.

As well as donations and practical support in affected regions, Shell is also ensuring the continuing supply of essential fuels and products to the affected areas. Our thoughts are with those that have suffered loss and who will continue to face a difficult future as a result of this disaster.