The Indian Ocean tsunami that struck the coastal communities of Asia and Africa on 26 December 2004 was one of the worst humanitarian disasters in living memory. The scale of the devastation was only matched by the unprecedented public response to appeals for aid in the days, weeks and months following.

Money generously donated by people from around the world has enabled ActionAid to spend £13 million and reach over 757,000 people affected by the tsunami, and by the end of 2007 the total amount spent on relief and rehabilitation projects will reach £35 million.

Long-term change
Our work throughout the region has focused on long-term recovery, rebuilding communities and enabling people to return to livelihoods and homes destroyed by the tsunami, as well as tackling issues such as housing and land rights, and access to health and education.

One donation of £84 would have paid for 24 new school uniforms or 30 notebooks and bags for children returning to school in India, for two people to be trained in psychological counselling techniques in order to help others overcome the trauma of the tsunami disaster in Sri Lanka, or for new furniture, play things and staff training for an early child care centre. Four donations would have paid for a catamaran, engine and net for two families, or for the construction of a community study centre.

Individual stories give a graphic illustration of how those donations have enabled ActionAid to rebuild lives devastated by the tsunami and it's effects;

Mr Martin's tsunami experience
Mr. Martin is an enthusiastic mobile fish seller from Kudawella village of Southern Sri Lanka. The tidal waves of December 2006 shattered the life and dreams of Martin. His mother-in-law drowned in the tsunami, and he lost his house, life time's earnings and the bicycle he used for his trade.

Martin struggled to cope in the aftermath of the disaster and family members became very worried about his condition. Martin's eldest daughter had begun working as a volunteer for NFPO, one of ActionAid's partner organizations in the area, and brought his problem to the attention of their care-workers. Their intervention helped Martin to deal with his trauma, and they extended livelihood support which they thought would help him overcome the tragedy. In May NFPO provided Martin a foot cycle and fish box, worth about 9,000 Sri Lankan rupees (around £42).

The intervention has brought about a transformation in Martin's life, as he earns a living from his business once again. “I have the will power to rebuild my life. I am thankful to the volunteers of NFPO who have supported me when I needed it most.”

How ActionAid has helped Mr Danie
55 year-old R.A. Danie worked as a day labourer in his village providing an income for his wife and four children, until the tsunami destroyed their house and they had to move to a temporary home. WKMS, ActionAid's partners in Sri Lanka, met with him and his family and helped him to start a boutique in his temporary home, providing him with retail goods worth 15,000 Sri Lankan rupees (about £71). Now he is earning 8,000 rupees income per month and continuing his business successfully. He wants to continue his business and improve it. “Before the Tsunami we lived with a number of difficulties to find our daily requirements. Now we are living without difficulties and we are happy. I will try my best to succeed in this business”