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Tsunami Aftermath: Indonesia, Six Months Later
29 June 2005
Banda Aceh, Indonesia: More than 200,000 were left dead or missing in the earthquake and tsunami disaster that hit northwestern Indonesia in December 2004, while almost 500,000 more lost their homes. Total damage from the disaster has been estimated at up to $5 billion, almost equal to the entire gross domestic product of Aceh – the hardest hit area.
The disaster prompted an international relief effort like no other in history, supported generously by donors - whether individuals, charities, United Nations organizations, companies, or entire countries - throughout the world. The tsunami effort is now moving from short-term relief operations that were undertaken by nongovernment organizations and UN agencies, to the medium- to long-term process of reconstruction. More than six months on, the next stage will be to implement the multiple billion dollar reconstruction plans that have been put in place, a process that ADB is assisting. The $300 million grant approved by ADB in April, the single largest grant in its history, will restore essential public services and rebuild infrastructure and promote the resurgence of private economic activity.
With this process just beginning, below are some snapshots of daily life in the disaster zone as the affected peoples try to pick up the pieces and rebuild their lives and livelihoods.
Each thumbnail below links to a larger photograph.
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