TITLE
Recommendation to respectfully request City Council to receive and file the Cambodia Water Festival Disaster and adopt a motion encouraging residents to support the Long Beach Chapter of People to People International Disaster Relief in support of the disaster victims.
DISCUSSION
On November 22, 2010, just outside of Phnom Penh, Cambodia, thousands of people came together to celebrate the annual Water Festival, when participates were struck by a panic induced stampede that killed 351 and injured over 750 people. Turning the most joyful events in the Cambodian calendar into tragedy.
The Water Festival in Cambodia takes place each year in November, at the time of the full moon, and is the most extravagant and exuberant festival in the Khmer calendar, outdoing even the New Year celebrations. The disaster is thought to have started at around 10:00 pm, on the third and final day of the Water festival, which is estimated to attract a third of the country's population of 14 million.
The current population of Cambodians in the City of Long Beach is the largest outside of Phnom Penh. Many of our residents' relatives attended the Water Festival, yet confirmation of injuries have not been reported.
Due to the number of deaths and injuries relief efforts have been setup by the Long Beach chapter of People to People International (PTPI). We encourage Long Beach residents to assist those in need by donating online at WWW.PTPLORG or you can send a check to the local chapter made payable:
PTPI Long Beach Chapter Tax Exempt ID: 32-0307183
1305 Raymond Ave, Suite C, Long Beach, CA 90804.
For more information, please contact: Ms. Thary Ung, Coordinator Cell (626)383-7559 or email: Thary_ung@yahoo.com OR Mr. Anthony Kim, Assistant Coordinator Cell (626)261-0765 or email anthonyimex1@aol.com
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
[Timing Considerations]
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
COUNCILMAN DEE ANDREWS, SIXTH DISTRICT
VICE MAYOR SUJA LOW...
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