LONDON, Jan. 5 (UPI) -- Millions of people across Europe fell silent for three minutes Wednesday in memory of the 150,000 people killed in southeast Asia's earthquake and tsunami.
But it was anything but silent in the devastated region as cargo planes, helicopters and boats ferried water, food and medical supplies to the 12 countries affected, Sky News said.
In Indonesia, outgoing U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell flew over the hardest-hit area along the coast, and told reporters he was completely taken aback.
"I have been in war and I have been through a number of hurricanes and tornados, but I have never seen anything like this," Powell said.
The death toll in Indonesia is currently more than 94,000, and is expected to rise further, the BBC said.
As countless people worldwide made personal and corporate donations to relief organizations, various governments also increased their commitments to relief operations.
Australia pledged $765 million in aid to Indonesia over five years, becoming the biggest contributor to the relief effort, and Germany increased its aid pledge to tsunami victims from $27 million to $670 million.
