British charity says reconstruction work after Asian tsunami continues - 10 years on
A UK-based charity says it is still working on rebuilding devasted communities 10 years after the Asian tsunami struck.
Around 230,000 lives were lost in 2004 when the massive tidal wave hit areas of Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Somalia and Malaysia.
The UN estimated that around five million people were affected across two continents, with significant impact felt from the earthquake’s epicentre in Aceh, Indonesia to as far away as South Africa.
Since 2005, Muslim Aid and its partners have provided 3,000 temporary shelters and 2,500 permanent houses for the disaster victims, spending some £47 million in the process.
The programme of relief and restoration was carried out despite numerous challenges faced in the wake of the disaster, including limited supplies and ongoing conflict in some regions said the charity.
Those affected by the disaster played a key role in the reconstruction effort
“During our relief work, we have ensured that the root causes of such a disaster are addressed and the interests of the communities affected are prioritised,” said a spokesperson for the charity.
“By employing local people, using local materials and working with small contractors, those affected by the disaster played a key role in the reconstruction effort.”
Muslim Aid said it had also focused on better preparing the affected communities for the future by providing water and sanitation facilities, building flood mitigation systems and improving road and drainage.
People have also benefitted from education and livelihood support. For example, along with the construction of houses in Somalia, the charity provided 80 fishing boats with nets and supplies to help those who had lost their living to the tsunami.
The spokesperson added: “With the support of our generous donors and partners Muslim Aid spent more than £47m to rebuild tsunami affected areas in Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India and Somalia.
“We would like to take this opportunity to thank all our donors, volunteers and beneficiaries for their generous support.”
