Introduction and Purpose of the Study
On 26th of December 2004, an earthquake 240 kilometres off the coast of Indonesia triggered a massive Tsunami which devastated nearby coastal areas of South-east and South Asia and affected countries as far away as East Africa. In total, an estimated 230,000 people were killed and 1.8 million people were displaced and in Indonesia, Thailand, Sri Lanka and India there was widespread destruction of houses and livelihoods.
Purpose of the Study
10 years after the tsunami, through the eyes and voices of the affected communities, the objective of this study is to analyse the strengths, weaknesses, sustainability and impact of the tsunami response in 2 countries, Sri Lanka and Indonesia (Aceh Province). Cutting across these themes is an assessment of whether communities are now better prepared to respond to and cope with disaster.
Methodology
The study was undertaken in Aceh Province of Indonesia and the South and East coast of Sri Lanka over a period of two weeks with 5-days spent meeting with community members in each of the countries. As such, the study is not an evaluation but is more a collection of experiences and reflections of affected communities in tsunami-affected areas.