Ongoing

No one in modern times had seen such widespread chaos and destruction at the hand of nature’s fury. In the words of Dr. M. Abdo who worked with Zakat Foundation in the recovery efforts, “I have never seen such a magnitude of destruction in my life. Many of the scenes I witnessed were reminiscent of the television footage about Hiroshima after the atomic bomb was dropped in WWII. Vast areas of land extending along the shore were totally wiped out – there was no trace of buildings, vegetation or roads.” As the earth itself was ripped apart by the ocean water, buildings had little chance of surviving. The following countries all received significant damage from the Tsunami: Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India, Thailand, Somalia, Burma, Maldives, Malaysia and even Madagascar had over 1,000 people displaced.

The immense death toll was over 280,000 worldwide and roughly 1.7 Million people were displaced. People sought refuge in tattered Mosques, hotels and schools as the flood waters receded. There was a massive concern of disease outbreaks as cholera, diphtheria, dysentery and Hepatitis are always health concerns in the affected areas and containing people together in such a catastrophic situation created a perfect condition for epidemics. To respond directly toward this concern, major efforts for vaccines and other medical care topped the list of priorities right after food and shelter.

In the aftermath it became clear that this was not simply a reconstruction which was needed for Indonesian Island nation; but starting over completely. Even the roads had been ripped out of the ground and washed away by the devastating flood waters. It has been estimated that rebuilding will take up to a decade barring any other disasters.

 

 

What are the key problems?

• There is limited access to clean water in the affected zone
• Many people lost their livelihoods as fishing boats were destroyed and farmlands ravaged
• Schools, Mosques and other community centers were destroyed and are slow to rebuilding efforts as the priority has been placed on housing
• Construction materials are in short supply in many areas outside the cities as people do not have vehicles to transport.

What can be done to help?

• Fishing supplies can help locals get back into earning an income, as well as vocational training for new trade skills
• Wells, water purification centers and desalinization pumps can provide clean water
• School and Mosque construction as sources of Sadaqa Jariya would be of great benefit
• Providing construction materials to outlying areas so that people can build their villages

Zakat Foundation Response to the Need

Our disaster response teams rushed to Indonesia immediately after the Tsunami struck. In the hardest-hit areas of Banda Acheh on the island of Sumatra, in India and in Sri Lanka our teams provided immediate aid. Thanks to assistance from the United States Air Force our teams were able to be dispatched to the heart of the disaster zone in rapid time.

Dr. Abdo provided a great deal of medical care as well as overseeing all aspects of our work through the Tsunami recovery. Most of our efforts were centered in the greater Banda Acheh region as our team provided medical care for the victims in addition to food aid and temporary shelter. Thousands of people benefited from our immediate assistance while well-digging ensured that our work would have a long term impact.

In villages of India where hundreds of houses were destroyed, we provided emergency assistance to 15,720 victims in the greater area of Nagapattinam and extended outward to smaller villages.

The Village of Hope was constructed to provide a new start for the victims of the Tsunami. Established at the cost of $170,000 the facility provided housing, educational centers, bathing areas, cooking areas and a Mosque. Housing is provided for 500 people with separate areas for 100 orphans and 50 administrators/educators

Only with your help can the work continue in this very long reconstruction program. Only with your support can the Village of Hope continue its mission to provide for those who have lost family. The future of Indonesia rests in your hands, won’t you donate today?