Tsunami Relief Work

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We arrived in Sri Lanka 10 months after the Boxing Day Tsunami that claimed 30,000 lives in Sri Lanka alone. Many people are still “missing” and half a million have been displaced. Evidence of the devastation is visible everywhere along the coastline. Many houses are completely or partially destroyed. Remains of fishing boats are strewn up to several kilometers inland and in Hambantota we saw a large ship sitting high and dry about 1 kilometer from the sea. The locals are trying to build a rail-track to get the ship back into the water. North of Hikkaduwa is the sobering scene of the damaged train where over a thousand people lost there lives. Three of the carriages are likely to be left there as a memorial. Immediately after the Tsunami international aid assisted with provision of temporary shelter in the form of tents and wooden shacks. Murray is now involved in managing the process of rebuilding several thousand permanent houses in the Southern Zone alone. And also reconstruction of infrastructure, such as water supplies, waste water systems, health clinics, schools and roads.

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Photos

Just in case . . . .
"In case of Tsunami go to high ground or inland", another sign says "In case of Tsunami, run this way ->" (pointing away from the sea).

Another house damaged by Tsunami
There are alot of houses in ruins, that probably won't be restored.

Temporary Shelter
These have been built by NGOs while the proper houses are being built.

Temporary Shelter
Many people still live in tents, while houses are being built for them

Ship wreck
The locals have built a railway track to try and get it back to the ocean.

Train wreck
This train wreck has become well known, they are thinking of making it a memorial.

Building site
Marking out the house foundations.

Building site
Marking out the house foundations.

Building site
Making blocks on site for the houses.

Building site
Blocks drying.

Comments

[Sarah]

Wow there is still so much to be done! Keep up the hard work, can see you will be put to good use. See you in 8 weeks!

[John Massam]

Thanks for the update
Great to get the report and the photos. Certainly helps us to think of you both and pray for you both.

[Daniel]

Big Boat
That red ship is huge! - scary to think it was carried so far by the water. I hope they can find a locomotive large enough to drag it back to the water.

[Kez]

WOW
Hmmmm...is it different to what you imagined?!? Whats your home addie there? Keep up the positive work! Thinking of you both xx

[Max]

Kia ora
Good to see you guys are settling in. Amazing to think that even this long after the event there is still heaps to do. Keep up the good work making a difference. Kia kaha korua. Ma te Atua korua e manaaki.