Annual report - Australian Red Cross

Tsunami update
It is almost two years since the 2004 tsunami hit the coast of 12 countries, taking the lives of over 230,000 people and causing
billions of dollars in damage. A disaster that took only an hour to unfold became Australian Red Cross’ third largest disaster
response of all time – surpassed only by two world wars.
Red Cross raised $120 million in Australia through the Tsunami Appeal, and has now allocated or spent more than $118 million
or 98 per cent of the funds.
Case study
Nias Island – a community reborn
Nias Island, off the north-west coast
of Sumatra, was devastated by the
tsunami of December 2004.
But before a single foundation was
laid or supporting beam erected in
the reconstruction phase,
Red Cross and the Zero to One
Foundation worked with community
leaders to discuss local needs.
Elders and heads of households
joined together to debate
and discuss the issues.
People were asked whether they
wanted timber or concrete houses,
whether it was acceptable to
build houses away from roads or
the sea, and they approved
proposed housing designs.
In all Australian Red Cross helped build
254 houses, nine bridges, two schools,
three clean water systems and one
first aid centre on Nias. The project
has now been completed and families
have moved into their new homes and
are re-building their community.
Rehabilitation and recovery
According to Chris Staines, General Manager of the Tsunami Team, the focus now
for Red Cross and other aid organisations is on re-establishing the social, physical
and economic assets of tsunami-affected communities and on stabilising their
condition.
‘Red Cross aid workers are involved in a wide range of rehabilitation and recovery
programs. We are helping people re-build their livelihoods, building permanent
housing, redeveloping water and sanitation systems, running health programs,
offering psychosocial support and helping communities prepare themselves for
future disasters,’ says Staines.
An ongoing commitment
Although the recovery effort has gained significant momentum, major challenges
still remain and every new stage of the process brings with it new complexities,
according to Staines.
‘Recovery and reconstruction are not one-dimensional – they are physical,
psychological, economic and environmental. Recovery and reconstruction must
also be aligned with local plans and priorities. Communities decide how they want
their new cities and towns to look.’
Working on this vision is a fundamental part of the healing process, says Staines,
and the close working relationship with the Indonesian Red Cross and local
authorities highlights the importance of community ownership.
For more information on the tsunami response, visit www.redcross.org.au
Image below: The construction of 254 houses on Nias Island is now complete and families
have begun to move into their new homes.
Australian Red Cross
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