The 2004 Tsunami
When the Asian Tsunami struck on 26th December 2004 we extended our work to be able to respond quickly to the needs of the people of northern Sumatra, the worst hit area.
Based mainly on the island of Pulau Weh we concentrated on helping people and places overlooked by the big organisations.
Emergency relief work
On Pulau Weh there were over 3,000 homeless people and initially no help from the big organisations and charities. Working together with Waves of Mercy, an organisation of boat owners based in Langkawi, our first concern was food, shelter, clean drinking water and medical help. Waves of Mercy shipped in boatloads of supplies.
As the large organisations eventually brought in emergency supplies our local knowledge and organisation was vital in arranging distribution of food, medicines and temporary housing. We also played a vital role in organising water and sanitation projects throughout the island, but the scale of this work needed funding by one or more of the larger charities.
Together with Waves of Mercy we helped with immunisation programmes, and in getting surgical help for severe injuries sustained in the tsunami.
We supported long-term projects which helped get the local economy going and provided employment for local people. If the children were to have a good future it was essential to ensure that the region could become self-sufficient again.
Sewing machine project
One very successful project we initiated was buying sewing machines to start a tailoring business. The initial work was making school uniforms for the hundreds of orphans and children in the refugee camps. Children must have appropriate uniforms to attend school, so we provided the material needed. After this initial work the business was well established to continue un-supported.
Brick Factory
Another project, this time in a neglected village on the outskirts of Banda Aceh, was to buy a mixing machine for a brick factory that had been destroyed in the tsunami. The factory is now working to capacity to meet the demand for bricks needed for the rebuilding of houses. This has provided significant local employment, and the money spent on the equipment will be repaid and used for another project.
Other Projects
Many other projects have been undertaken to help the local economy and employment. Fishing boats, engines and materials to repair damaged boats have all been purchased, help given to restart the beach front restaurants that were so important to the local economy, and building materials supplied for wells and toilets.