The earthquake and tsunami that hit coastal regions in India, Sri Lanka, Indonesia and Thailand on 26 December has left around 150,000 dead and more than five million in need of aid. CAFOD supporters responded generously to an urgent appeal for the affected countries, enabling our partners to bring food, safe water, shelter materials, sanitation and healthcare to the displaced men, women and children. In the longer term, CAFOD partners have pledged to help people rebuild their lives.
A logistical base is being set up in Medan by CRS to support the response in Aceh, and possibly some affected areas of North Sumatra.
CAFOD has committed £1 million to relief and rehabilitation operations and is supporting the People’s Crisis Centre in Aceh to re-establish its office to continue a family tracing programme.
CAFOD will also support JRS in its food distribution programme, family tracing programme, medical assistance, logistics, and information centre.