Source: The New York Times

http://www.nytimes.com/2004/12/28/nyregion/28local.html?ex=1105225320&ei=1&en=547c14701a3a831e

On December 28, 2004 The New York Times reported, "Across much of the New York metropolitan region, relatives of those affected by the earthquake and huge waves that devastated southern Asia awoke yesterday to fresh disbelief. Many tried unsuccessfully to get news, efforts that were frustrated by damaged phone lines in many of the countries where the waves have killed thousands. Others, some of whom had already learned that relatives were lost, sought solace at their temples, which began collecting supplies to send to the region."