CRS Responds to the Tsunami

For millions of people across South and Southeast Asia, the year 2005 began in mourning following one of the greatest catastrophes of our time.

The tsunami of December 26, 2004, shocked the world when, without warning, its giant waves traveled at speeds of up to 300 miles per hour to devastate the region's coasts, communities, homes and families.

An estimated 200,000 people perished in a matter of minutes, and nearly 2 million were left homeless. At least nine countries were in the tsunami's path, with the greatest losses suffered in India, Indonesia, Sri Lanka and Thailand.

Since then, the generosity and compassion of millions of people has helped to transform a landscape of unimaginable tragedy into one of hopeful recovery. Catholic Relief Services has been able to mount one of the largest responses in our history — a five-year relief and reconstruction effort that will help more than 600,000 people.

Over the past three years, CRS has had more than 350 employees working in the hardest-hit areas, helping to rebuild communities and restore hope, and life is gradually returning to normal for the people living in tsunami-affected areas.

Across India, Indonesia and Sri Lanka, fishermen are back at sea with new boats and nets, supporting their families. Newly constructed roads and bridges are busy with traffic and in better condition than before. Thousands of homes have been rebuilt, allowing people to move out of temporary shelters into places they can once again call home.

Such rapid progress is encouraging, but we are only at the middle of a long road to recovery. The enormous loss of life and absence of loved ones remains a difficult reality. Our commitment to the people in the tsunami-affected region is unwavering. We look forward to working with them toward an improved quality of life, access to vital community services, greater opportunities for their children, and all that comes with the promise of a new beginning.