Ten years ago the world faced one of the worst natural disasters in history, a tsunami devastating Indian Ocean coastlines which killed almost 230,000 people. But a wave of generosity from Australians and around the world has helped rebuild the region, World Vision Australia said today.
The humanitarian organisation’s chief executive Tim Costello who arrived in Sri Lanka the following day, was shocked and confronted by the number of bodies of mostly women and children waiting to be buried in mass graves.
“What I saw was simply apocalyptic in the darkest sense. It was shattering to see the vast scale of damage and I will never forget the silence of people staring out to sea wondering if the wave had taken their loved ones,” Mr Costello said.
On the morning of 26 December 2004, a massive undersea earthquake measuring 9.1 on the Richter scale triggered a series of tsunamis that charged across the Indian Ocean. The surging waves hit the coastline of 12 countries in South East Asia, claiming the lives of 227,000 people and causing widespread damage and destruction.
“The tsunami had killed so many, but it was met with a tsunami of generosity from Australians, they were touched, they cared, they gave and they gave. They offered to do anything they could to help and I’ve never been so proud to be Australian,” Mr Costello said.
By May 2005 Australians had donated $313 million to NGOs responding to the natural disaster.
“A billion dollars was also given by the Australian Government which totally reframed our relationship with Indonesia, they said ‘these people really are our neighbours’, they care about us and we’re still living out of the benefit from that,” Mr Costello said.
World Vision Australia was able to build roads, bridges, 12,000 homes, 84 schools, 27 health clinics and provide training and employment opportunities to 40,000 people and implement disaster risk reduction programs with the $118 million from Australians and USD $356 million globally.
Mr Costello recently revisited Sri Lanka and Indonesia to see how the tsunami aid efforts had stood the test of time, ten years on.
“I was really blown away by the recovery and its sustainability. In a disaster you need to send in people to act really quickly with the basics – like food, clean water, shelter and medical assistance – to save lives and I saw our staff do that.”
“But I’m proud to say that World Vision’s work has stood the test of time and has given hope as well as practical assistance. Communities are now steering their own futures with permanent homes, improved infrastructure, new livelihood opportunities and a reduced vulnerability to future disasters.”
World Vision’s largest relief response in its history is now complete. The emergency relief organisation successfully developed and implemented programs to rebuild tsunami-affected areas
“I recall my visits to these areas like a book of emotions. The first chapter could not be darker and more devastating; with the lives lost leaving unimaginable pain and suffering. But even through the grief and haunting memories still with those I’ve met, the final chapter couldn’t be more inspiring and hopeful; pointing to the future.”
World Vision Australia’s Disaster Ready appeal helps the relief organisation be ready to respond to natural disasters and humanitarian crises when they strike. To donate, call 13 32 40 or visit www.worldvision.com.au/DisasterReady
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Media contact: Gabrielle Brophy – 0407 575 112 /gabrielle.brophy@worldvision.com.au