Mormons Provide Long-Term Aid to Tsunami Victims
December 24, 2009 by Gale
Filed under Mormons Giving Aid Globally
In December, 2004, a devastating tsunami hit southeast Asia after an earthquake in the ocean floor, killing 230,000 people in 11 countries. Church members from around the globe jumped into action to care for the immediate needs of survivors—Saints in Hong Kong assembled hygiene kits, members from Thailand helped survivors record memories of lost loved ones, and cash donations poured in through fast offerings and the Church’s humanitarian fund to help families rebuild. But the Church’s relief efforts reached far beyond those first devastating weeks and months. Latter-day Saint Charities (LDSC)—an arm of Church Humanitarian Services—spent three and a half years working on long-term projects that would help restore the livelihood of the survivors and rebuild communities.
Fishermen were given materials to build desperately-needed boats to replace those lost in the tsunami. Nets, motors, and other fishing supplies were also provided by LDSC. Rice paddies, which provide a significant source of income, were also reconstructed. And the Church organized the digging of wells, installation of storage tanks, and improvement of delivery systems for 25 villages.
In addition to building 15 schools, 3 community centers, and 3 health clinics, LDSC built 902 homes, approximately 400 square feet each (the size of an average two-car garage). Painted with bright colors, the houses included tile floors, as well as “starter kits” with a mattress, one-burner cooker, pots, pans, silverware, glasses and plates. LDSC worked with many partners in their relief efforts, including Islamic Relief.
The Church’s major reconstruction efforts in Indonesia ended in December 2007. But the Church continues to bring the major humanitarian initiative programs there, including donating wheelchairs, teaching neonatal resuscitation, and overseeing projects to bring clean water to more villages.
