The lessons we learned
Many staff members — past and present — were involved in rebuilding homes and lives through Habitat for Humanity’s multi-year response to the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. They share their reflections.
Generous souls
Habitat for Humanity’s response to the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami was made possible because of the contributions of volunteers.
Tsunami20 — At home, at peace
Among the worse-affected countries, India reported more than 16,000 people dead in the wake of the Dec. 26, 2004, tsunami. The country’s economic loss came to US$1.7 billion. The catastrophe highlighted the vulnerability of coastal communities. Three families who have rebuilt their homes and lives with Habitat for Humanity India share how they have overcome challenges. Rani’s […]
Tsunami20 — From survival to resilience
Of the 230,000 people who were killed by the massive December 2004 tsunami, about three-quarters of them died in Indonesia alone. On the 20th anniversary of the disaster, Karnen Dasen, who lived in Indonesia’s hardest-hit Aceh province, recalled what happened. Then a university student in Ajun village, he said, “It was a quiet Sunday morning […]
Tsunami20 — The day our lives changed forever
MANILA (Dec. 26, 2024) — Twenty years have passed since the Indian Ocean tsunami struck on December 26, 2004. The deadliest and most destructive tsunami in recorded history killed over 230,000 people and left 2 million people homeless across 14 countries. According to Swiss Re, total losses exceeded US$13 billion and were mostly uninsured. Indonesia was […]
