Before the tsunami on December 26, 2005 foreigners were barred from entering Aceh. However, the epicenter of the earthquake that caused the horrific natural disaster was so close to Aceh both the GAM and the Indonesian authorities called for a cease fire to allow aid to reach the people who were affected by the wave. The Indonesian military has sent more troops, ostensibly to help with the relief effort, but the region remains in shambles. The GAM, and its supporters, have accused the Indonesian government of using the disaster to further their military operations while the GAM is weak and disorganized. The tsunami resulted in close to 100,000 deaths in the area. While the tsunami obviously damaged both sides of the Acehan struggle, it has also benefited both. The damage done to Aceh certainly makes communication and organization more difficult for the GAM. However, since foreign aid is being allowed into the country to help rebuild an infrastructure they are also gettting support from foreign agencies. These non-governmental groups also help the GAM by raising awareness of the brutality of the Indonesian military. While at the same time, the Indonisian military might have a harder time locating strongholds due to the disarray in Aceh, they have also been able to use this disaster to their benefit. Not only through the increase of troops but also due to the lack of organization of the GAM.