5. The Fundamental Principles of the
International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement
HUMANITY INDEPENDENCE
The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, born of a desire to bring The Movement is independent. The National Societies, while auxiliaries in the
assistance without discrimination to the wounded on the battlefield, endeavours, in its humanitarian services of their governments and subject to the laws of their
international and national capacity, to prevent and alleviate human suffering wherever respective countries, must always maintain their autonomy so that they may
it may be found. Its purpose is to protect life and health and to ensure respect for the be able at all times to act in accordance with the principles of the Movement.
human being. It promotes mutual understanding, friendship, cooperation and lasting
peace amongst all peoples.
VOLUNTARY SERVICE
It is a voluntary relief movement not prompted in any manner by desire for gain.
IMPARTIALITY
The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement makes no discrimination as
to nationality, race, religious beliefs, class or political opinions. It endeavours to relieve
UNITY
the suffering of individuals, being guided solely by their needs, and to give priority to the There can be only one Red Cross or one Red Crescent Society in any one country.
most urgent cases of distress. It must be open to all. It must carry on its humanitarian work throughout its territory.
NEUTRALITY UNIVERSALITY
In order to continue to enjoy the confidence of all, the Movement may not take sides The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, in which all Societies
in hostilities or engage at any time in controversies of a political, racial, religious or have equal status and share equal responsibilities and duties in helping each other,
ideological nature. is worldwide.
4
6. Message from President McAleese
U a c h ta r á n n a h É i
reann
President of Irela
nd
Few of us can forget the
horrific news and images
St. Stephen’s Day 2004. Sud from the other side of the
denly, the word ‘tsunami’ world that started to rea
ch us on
huge number of people wh entered into our conversati
o had been killed, injured ons. It was hard to compre
or whose lives were shatter hend the
of one single event. ed in so many countries as
the result
Yet around the world, peo
ple responded in a true out
Ireland, as we reached in soli pouring of humanity and
compassion. No less so tha
darity with the countless me n here in
I was honoured to be inv n, women and children wh
olved in many events to o suddenly required our sup
support Irish non-governm port.
officials. On New Year’s Da ental organisations, mission
y 2005, I witnessed the inc aries and
phoned the Irish Red Cro redible generosity of spirit
ss, pledging their time and as hundreds of people visi
support for the victims of ted and
dedication and commitme the Tsunami. I was also stru
nt of the staff and volunt ck by the
eers who embodied the pri
Red Cross ideal. nciples and values at the hea
rt of the
The extent of lives lost and
communities destroyed by
However, the international the Indian Ocean Tsunam
community has been there i in 2004 is still unimagin
throughout this difficult task able.
assistance to those commu to provide financial and tec
nities that were worst affecte hnical
its partner National Societi d. The on-going commitme
es reflects the bonds of frie nt of the Irish Red Cross to
ndship and collaboration support
Ireland and Indonesia, the that have been strenghten
Maldives and Sri Lanka as ed between
a result of this terrible trag
edy.
Ma ry Mc Al ee se
Pr es ide nt of Ire la nd
7. Foreword
The planet we live on can be unpredictable; earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and As a direct result of the generosity of the Irish public, over a million people
tsunamis can strike without warning, as we were starkly reminded earlier this year in have benefited from the Irish Red Cross programmes. Schools and hospitals
Japan. Despite the best efforts of the international community, millions of people are were reconstructed, clean water supplies re-established, homes rebuilt, livelihoods
affected by natural disasters every year and by the chaos and devastation that they restored or revived and children supported on their return to education, while
leave in their wake. Since its establishment in 1863, the Red Cross and Red Crescent innovative communication initiatives promoted dialogue with the disaster affected
Movement has attempted to alleviate the suffering caused through conflict and communities enabling them to inform and engage in recovery efforts.
natural disasters.
Tens of thousands of families continue to directly benefit from the support provided
National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, such as the Indonesian Red Cross by you as generous, donors to the Irish Red Cross, and we hope that this book
and the Sri Lankan Red Cross Society, are at the forefront of disaster response activities; provides an insight into the work we have undertaken on your behalf.
volunteers and staff responded immediately and provided life saving assistance in the
hours, days and weeks after the Indian Ocean Tsunami struck. As the Irish representative
of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, which comprises the
International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), the International
Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and each country’s National Society, the Irish Red
Cross has a responsibility to assist our partners when disaster strikes.
Disasters can destroy infrastructure and the social fabric of a community in minutes, but
the rebuilding of that community may take many years. The extent of the Indian Ocean
Tsunami meant that following the immediate emergency response phase; there was a
need for continued support and assistance. Working with our partner National Societies
David J O’Callaghan
in the countries affected, the Irish Red Cross Tsunami Relief and Recovery Programme
was developed as a multi-year response to the immediate and long-term needs of the David J O’Callaghan
communities worst affected in Indonesia, the Maldives and Sri Lanka. Chairman - Irish Red Cross
6
8. A Sri Lankan man holds an umbrella as he cycles past an overcast bay in the town of Kalmunai on Sri Lanka’s east coast - 19 January 2005. REUTERS/Arko Datta.
7
9. Introduction
Tsu•na•mi As a part of the largest humanitarian network in the world, the Red Cross Red Crescent
Movement, the Irish Red Cross Society responded immediately to the disaster and
Noun (pl. same or –mis) A long high sea wave caused
launched an emergency appeal for the victims of the Tsunami on 27th December
by an earthquake, underwater landslide or other disturbance.
2004. This appeal raised over e32 million thanks to the enormous generosity of many
Origin: late 19th century Japanese - from tsu “harbour” + nami “wave” individuals, groups, schools, companies and their employees, and remains the largest
amount ever raised by the Irish Red Cross for a single disaster.
On 26th December 2004, a massive earthquake measuring 9.15 on the Richter scale The dedication and strength of the Irish Red Cross membership network, and the Irish
struck off the coast of Sumatra, Indonesia. It was the most powerful earthquake the world public, was clearly in evidence as the massive public appeal was rolled out in the first
had seen in a generation, releasing the equivalent energy of 23,000 Hiroshima bombs. few weeks and months of 2005. The commitment shown through the range of events,
The epicentre was some 150km south of the town of Meulaboh and 250km from Banda donations and offers of support provided in solidarity with communities on the other
Aceh, the capital of Aceh Province, in northern Indonesia. The earthquake was particularly side of the world so tragically hit by an unpredictable natural disaster, was humbling for
destructive as it originated close to the earth’s surface, some 30km below the floor of the all involved in the response.
Indian Ocean. In the seven years that followed, the Irish Red Cross has had the privilege of working
The earthquake generated a massive tsunami wave that travelled rapidly through the closely with our own membership across Ireland, and also with our colleagues in the
Indian Ocean, striking beachfront areas in fourteen countries with catastrophic results International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. Key relationships and partnerships
in Indonesia, Thailand, Sri Lanka, the Maldives, India and Bangladesh, as well as other have been built with the communities affected as well as with Indonesian Red Cross
Asian and East African countries, killing more than 226,000 people across the region. (PMI), the Sri Lanka Red Cross Society, the International Federation of Red Cross and
Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC),
The tsunami travelled at terrifying high speeds and 45 minutes after the earthquake it hit and numerous other National Societies including the German Red Cross, Canadian
the Aceh coastline and within minutes had swept clean an 800km coastal strip of Aceh – Red Cross, American Red Cross, Finnish Red Cross and the newly established
equivalent to the distance between Dublin and Paris. Nearly 166,000 people were killed Maldivian Red Crescent. During the period 2005 to 2011 the International Department
in Indonesia alone, with nearly 600,000 of those surviving finding themselves homeless of the Irish Red Cross grew substantially and at one point had over one hundred local
as their houses were swept away or left in ruins. The Tsunami caused unimaginable national staff and twelve expatriate delegates working on Irish Red Cross projects in Sri
devastation and the scale of the damage to the local economies, infrastructure, and Lanka, Indonesia and the Maldives.
administration was unprecedented. In an instant, the livelihoods and security of
Through the development of our comprehensive 7-year Tsunami Relief and Recovery
hundreds of thousands of people all across the Indian Ocean, from Somalia to
Programme for Indonesia, the Maldives and Sri Lanka, the Irish Red Cross was committed
Malaysia, were ruined.
to ensuring that the trust placed in us by the Irish public through their donations to our
Then, only three months later, another major earthquake struck the island of Nias Tsunami appeal was well placed. We hope to show through this Pictorial History of
also off the Indonesian coast, causing yet more death, injuries and destruction. our Tsunami operations the range and breadth of work that has been undertaken and
The magnitude of these events triggered an amazing outpouring of compassion and continues to take place with these donations, and how the generosity of the Irish
generosity from around the world. Private citizens provided huge amounts of support, public has had a direct benefit for communities which were so devastated on
and donors pledged generously to help the survivors. December 26th, 2004.
8
10. World Press Photo of the Year 2004. Cuddalore, India - 28 December 2004. REUTERS/Arko Datta.
9
11. Background to the Tsunami
Sunday 26th December 2004 (all times local)
7.59am 10.01am
A massive underwater earthquake strikes off the west coast of Indonesia’s Sumatra Island. The Tsunami strikes Bangladesh, where two children die. Scientists attribute the relatively
The quake, the world’s biggest in four decades, lasts nearly 10 minutes, displacing billions low death toll to a shallow seabed along the coast caused by natural sedimentation.
of tonnes of water along a line of ocean trench as long as Italy.
Elsewhere the Tsunami hits, witnesses report the sea receding and exposing the ocean
The 9.15-magnitude quake causes the entire planet to vibrate, releasing energy equivalent floor before the onslaught of the waves. They liken the sound of the Tsunami to the roar
to 23,000 Hiroshima-type atomic bombs and triggering other earthquakes as far away of freight trains.
as Alaska.
WITHIN THE THIRD HOUR
AT 7.59AM • Tsunami hits Bangladesh, killing two
• Earthquake strikes off coast of Indonesia • Country protected by ‘Continental shelf’
• 9.15 on the Richter scale
• Lasts nearly 10 minutes
• As powerful as 23,000 Hiroshima bombs 11.21am
8.15am Seismologists record a 7.1-magnitude aftershock. Ten minutes later the Tsunami hits
the Maldives, killing 108 people. The waves surge across the low-lying island nation,
completely inundating 73 of the 199 inhabited islands. For a period of time, Maldivians
Waves as high as six-story buildings hit northern Sumatra and the city of Banda Aceh, think their islands have sunk underwater. In Myanmar, 61 people die.
ploughing inland for up to 3 kilometres. The disaster claims almost 166,000 lives in
Indonesia. To the north, tidal waves slam into India’s Andaman and Nicobar islands. WITHIN THE FOURTH HOUR
• 7.1-magnitude aftershock adds to panic
WITHIN FIRST HOUR • Maldives completely inundated
• 8.15am – Tsunami hits west coast of Aceh province • Dozens killed in Myanmar
• Waves up to 20 metres high
• 166,000 killed in Indonesia
12.30pm (and beyond)
9.45am The Tsunami sweeps into Malaysia, killing more than 70 people. On the other side of
the Indian Ocean, waves roar towards Mauritius, Madagascar and East Africa. In the
Waves travelling as fast as jet planes roar across the Indian Ocean. They slow down and Seychelles, low-lying coastal roads are flooded. Along the coast of Somalia, more than
gain height as they reach shallow water, striking the coasts of Sri Lanka, Thailand and 300 people die.
mainland India. A combined 60,000 people will perish in those countries.
FIFTH HOUR AND BEYOND
WITHIN THE SECOND HOUR • Waves travel as far as East Africa
• Waves reach speeds of 800 km per hour • More than 300 killed in Somalia
• Tsunami strikes Sri Lanka, India and Thailand
• Kills a combined 60,000 people
10
12. N
Nepal Bhutan S
Bangladesh
Myanmar
India Laos
Bay
a
fric
of Bengal
st A
Thailand
s Ea
Vietnam
s far a
Andaman
Islands Cambodia South
be yo nd) - Wa v e s t ra vel a
China Sea
Indian Ocean
Nicobar
Islands
Sri Lanka Malaysia
entre
pic
Maldives E
5am
pm (and
7.59am -
Borneo
8.1
5am
12.30
am
9.4
Indonesia
.01
am
Java Sea
10
.21
11
Bali
Human Impact Physical Damage Reconstruction
Killed and Missing 226,000 in 14 countries Structures Destroyed 470,000 Cost of Recovery 8.7 billion
Displaced People 1.8 million Losses & Damages 8.6 billion Aid Pledged 11.2 billion
In a few short hours, the Tsunami claimed 226,000 lives in 14 countries and made almost 2 million people homeless. It triggered an unprecedented global outpouring of aid – over e11 billion
was pledged by the international community as the extent of the devastation became clear. Seven years after one of the worst natural disasters in living memory, many of the communities have
rebuilt large parts of their lives, but the events of that terrible day continue to impact all those affected.
13. Destruction and Initial Response
The generous support of people in Ireland contributed to the immediate alleviation of suffering in the early days of the
emergency response of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. This generosity was used to support search and rescue
operations and to provide food, water, shelter and medical assistance, essential, to survival in the immediate aftermath
of a disaster.
12
14. The Earthquake which struck off the coast of Sumatra caused Tsunami waves of up to 20 metres leaving devastation, horror and grief in its wake. Opposite Page: Banda Aceh in northern Indonesia
was one of the many towns leveled to the ground by the powerful tidal wave, with houses reduced to piles of rubble and communities devastated. Top Right: A Sri Lankan man M.K. Ahula, who lost
7 members of his family, stands amid the ruins in Galle, Sri Lanka.
13
15. Destruction and Initial Response
Teams of ICRC-supported volunteers from the Indonesian Red Cross have the grim task of searching and recovering
dead bodies from the rubble of Aceh, Indonesia.
14
16. Top: A Red Cross fleet of nearly 100 heavy-duty M6 trucks transports hundreds of tonnes of relief and recovery supplies to tsunami survivors. Bottom left: Relatives search and consult notice boards
for news of lost family and friends on a list published by the Red Cross of those found alive after the tsunami. Bottom right: As part of the Restoring Family Links service, ICRC and Indonesia Red Cross
run a tracing office to assist tsunami survivors in their search for relatives missing following the tsunami.
15
17. Destruction and Initial Response
Family links are restored through the assistance of the Red Cross. While too many perished in
the disaster, there were thousands of scenes like this one below where a husband is reunited
with his wife
16
18. Within hours of the tsunami striking, the Red Cross Red Crescent relief network swung into action. On the ground local branches mobilised their volunteers to provide immediate humanitarian
assistance in affected tsunami countries.
17
19. The Response in Ireland
Public response: The global response to the horrific scenes which were broadcast in the United States, Ireland and Australia which raised more than £3.5 million for the
around the world following the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami was unprecedented. No International Red Cross Red Crescent response.
less so in Ireland, where there was a massive outpouring of support and sympathy for
the countries affected, and people across the country reacted by offering their services to Immediate support provided: To ease some of the immediate suffering caused by the
support the Irish Red Cross fundraising efforts. Staff and volunteers of the Irish Red Cross devastation, on 28th December 2004 the Irish Red Cross donated e3 million to the
returned immediately to work from their Christmas holidays and were back at their desks Emergency Appeal of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent
by late afternoon on December 26th, only hours after the Tsunami had struck. Societies (IFRC). This funding was used to support the urgent recovery operations, through
the provision of clean and safe water, emergency shelter and search and rescue activities.
Reflecting the unprecedented level of the public response, the Irish Red Cross received
generous offers of support from people to help answer phones, distribute collection The bulk of the remaining e29 million raised was spent on both emergency and recovery
buckets and raise funds both in Head Office in Dublin and through our network of projects over the next seven years. While the Irish Red Cross Tsunami response had scaled
branches around the country. As teams of volunteers worked continuously in the days down significantly by early 2010, the organisation continues to be involved in longer term
and weeks following the Tsunami, local businesses showed their support by providing free development projects in Sri Lanka, Indonesia and the Maldives.
sandwiches and refreshments for the volunteers and staff, and local financial institutions
provided experienced staff to assist in the secure handling of the massive amounts of cash
being donated.
In recognition of this true expression of the Red Cross Red Crescent principles of humanity
and voluntary service, President Mary McAleese, and her family visited the Irish Red Cross
Head Office on New Year’s Day 2005 to provide her own encouragement for the tireless
work being undertaken by staff and volunteers.
Civic leaders also provided support, including the then Lord Mayor of Dublin, Michael
Conaghan, who kindly threw open the doors of the Mansion House to accept donations
during the holiday period. Dublin City Council staff also accepted donations for the
Tsunami appeal at their offices.
Fundraising activities: Representatives of An Garda Síochána and Civil Defence were
extremely active in the fundraising efforts, with the Gardaí save guarding Tsunami funds
raised in pubs and restaurants around the country during the New Year’s festivities and
representatives of the Civil Defence forces organising and holding numerous street
collections.
Irish Red Cross branch members organised numerous events to raise funds for the Irish Red
Cross appeal, as well as supporting other local events being run to help Tsunami victims.
All fundraising efforts were co-ordinated by the dedicated staff at Head Office in Merrion
Square, Dublin.
The nationwide fundraising campaign was generously supported by the business community
which came out in force for the victims of the Tsunami, with many businesses simply
donating funds from within their own resources, while others matched Euro-for-Euro the
funds raised by their staff. On 7th January 2005, companies across Ireland supported
employees who participated in the Irish Red Cross “Work a Day for Free”, with employers
facilitating the donation to the Irish Red Cross of staff salaries for the day.
Other innovative fund raising events undertaken by the business community included
the Coolmore Stud organising an international auction for access to their 50 stallions
18
21. Indonesia
Indonesia
Aceh Province
Aceh Barat
Aceh Barat Daya
Aceh Besar Country information: Indonesia is the fourth most populous country in the The massive relief operation undertaken by the international community took
world, with over 240 million people inhabiting 6,000 of the country’s 17,500 place under extremely difficult conditions. Not only had the entire Province
islands, which span over 6,500km. The majority of the population live on the been devastated by the Tsunami, but access was incredibly challenging
Aceh Jaya islands of Sumatra, Java, Kalimantan, Sulawesi and Papua. Indonesia’s location due to its remote location and the long running armed conflict between the
on the edges of the Pacific, Eurasian and Australian tectonic plates results in Government and the Free Aceh Movement (GAM). The Tsunami operation
frequent and powerful earthquakes across the archipelago. Prior to 2004, the in Aceh and Nias was one of the largest and most complex operations in the
Banda Aceh worst tsunami to hit Indonesia was in 1883 when Mount Krakatoa erupted, history of the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement.
killing over 36,000 people.
The Irish Red Cross provided immediate financial and personnel assistance to
Nagan Raya Impact of the Tsunami: The Province of Aceh in northern Sumatra was the our international Red Cross Movement partners. However, it quickly became
worst-affected by the Tsunami, with the epicentre of the 9.15 earthquake apparent that the needs were so great that we had a responsibility to
striking underwater between Aceh and the island of Simeulue with the force establish a presence on the ground to organise assistance directly. So, the
Pulo Aceh Island of 23,000 Hiroshima bombs. The entire coast of Aceh bore the brunt of the Irish Red Cross undertook a series of critically important and innovative
waves, with the towns of Banda Aceh, Meulaboh and Calang being destroyed programmes covering education, beneficiary communications, water and
in minutes. This close to the earthquake’s epicentre, the waves were over sanitation, as well as emergency response to subsequent disasters such
Sabang Island 20m high and swept through everything in their path. as earthquakes in Yogyakarta and Padang.
Nearly 166,000 people were killed or disappeared in Aceh Province alone, During the five years that the Irish Red Cross had an office in Banda Aceh,
Central Java and nearly 180,000 homes were destroyed. Then on 28th March 2005, barely over 100 people worked for us and, through our close connections with the
three months later, the nearby island of Nias was hit by another massive local communities, Irish Red Cross staff and volunteers became a familiar and
earthquake which claimed hundreds more lives and wreaked havoc on the popular sight in Aceh. In December 2009 we formally closed our office in
Yogyakarta already strained local infrastructure. Banda Aceh. However, we handed over aspects of our work, and some staff
to PMI through agreements to fund ongoing activities during 2010 and 2011
Irish Red Cross response: The Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) responded to ensure that the hard work and dedication of all the Irish Red Cross staff in
West Sumatra immediately, and PMI staff and volunteers showed unbelievable courage and Aceh continues to make an impact into the future.
humanity in assisting people in their time of greatest need, and in organising
the grim task of collecting the bodies of those killed.
Padang
20
22. Thailand
Indonesia
South China Sea
Aceh Malaysia
Province
Kuala Lumpur
Singapore
Sumatra Borneo
Padang
Andaman Sea
Indonesia Java Sea
Sabang Jakarta
Pulo
Aceh Yogyakarta
Banda Aceh Aceh
Besar
N Aceh
Aceh
Jaya
Province
Calang Aceh
Barat
Nagan
Raya
S Aceh
Barat
Meulaboh Daya
Human Impact
Killed and Missing 165,949
Injured Unkown
Simeulue
Displaced People 572,926
Aceh Singkil
Physical Damage
Structures Destroyed 179,312
Losses & Damages 3.6 billion
Nias
Sumatra
Reconstruction
Cost of Recovery 4.4 billion
Aid Pledged 4.2 billion
Padang
21
23. Indonesia Beneficiary Communications
Aceh Province
Aceh Barat
Aceh Barat Daya
Aceh Besar
Aceh Jaya
Banda Aceh Community Advocacy: Following a major natural disaster such
as the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami, the need by disaster affected
communities for accurate and reliable information is as fundamental
as food, shelter and medical assistance. As over 300 international
Nagan Raya organisations arrived in Banda Aceh in early 2005, the Irish Red
Cross realised that there was a need for detailed information on
the recovery operation to be provided to the local communities.
Various media such as newspapers, newsletters, bulletin boards
Pulo Aceh Island and radio were used to ensure information about Red Cross
programmes reached all levels of the affected communities.
Opposite Page
Sabang Island A group of children read a cartoon story of the Red Cross Red Crescent humanitarian
efforts in providing services to Tsunami-affected communities. The edition celebrates
the anniversary of World Red Cross and Red Crescent day. The Irish Red Cross
newspaper, Rumoh PMI, covered the reconstruction and rehabilitation issues in
Central Java Aceh Province and Nias Island with over 50,000 free copies delivered each month to
Tsunami-affected communities.
Yogyakarta
West Sumatra
Padang
22
25. Beneficiary Communications
Indonesia
Radio: Rumoh PMI, which means House of PMI, was the title chosen by the Irish
Red Cross for our newspaper and radio services in Aceh. The Rumoh PMI radio
services provided by the Irish Red Cross allowed local communities to directly input
Aceh Province into the debates and discussions around the rebuilding of their communities which
had been destroyed by the Tsunami.
Below: Irish Red Cross radio reporter, Isana Burhan, interviews students about disaster
Aceh Barat preparedness stimulation activities held in their school.
Aceh Barat Daya
Aceh Besar
Aceh Jaya
Banda Aceh
Nagan Raya
Pulo Aceh Island
Sabang Island
Central Java
Yogyakarta
West Sumatra
Padang
24
27. Beneficiary Communications
Indonesia
Aceh Province
Aceh Barat
Aceh Barat Daya
Aceh Besar
Aceh Jaya
Banda Aceh
Nagan Raya
Television: In early 2009, the Irish Red Cross aired the first of 19 TV chat shows, called
Warung Kopi Rumoh PMI (Indonesian Red Cross Coffee Shop), which allowed local
people the chance to ask questions of local authorities, the Red Cross and other aid
Pulo Aceh Island agencies about the recovery work being undertaken in Aceh Province.
Sabang Island
Central Java
Yogyakarta
West Sumatra
Padang
26
29. Indonesia Education
Aceh Province
Aceh Barat
Aceh Barat Daya
Aceh Besar
Aceh Jaya
Banda Aceh
Nagan Raya
Pulo Aceh Island
Sabang Island
Central Java
Yogyakarta
West Sumatra
Back-to-School Assistance: With so many people killed across Aceh, there was a real risk of a “lost generation” of children who had been traumatised by the
Tsunami and had lost some or all of their family. Working closely with PMI, the Irish Red Cross developed a Secondary Education Cash Assistance Programme
(SECAP) to provide cash assistance to vulnerable children so that they could return to school.
Padang S E C A P
SECONDARY In total, over 7,800 students benefitted from the SECAP programme between 2005 and 2011 and the Irish Red Cross SECAP staff developed close links with
EDUCATION
CASH ASSISTANCE students and schools across Aceh. Amy Tyndall (top right) presents an award to a student on Sabang Island, while SECAP field staff (bottom left) spent much
PROGRAMME
of their time supporting families to ensure that students who had returned to school were continuing their studies.
28
31. Education
Indonesia
Aceh Province
Aceh Barat
Aceh Barat Daya
Aceh Besar
Aceh Jaya
Banda Aceh
Nagan Raya
Pulo Aceh Island
Sabang Island
Central Java
Yogyakarta
West Sumatra
Padang
30
32. As well as cash grants, the SECAP programme developed life skills training, buddy support and
mentoring for the children, and assistance for the non-formal education system. Support from PMI
and the Banda Aceh authorities, including the Vice-Mayor of Banda Aceh Ms. Illiza Sa’Aduddin
Djamal (right) were instrumental in the success of the project.
Top Right: The cash grants provided by the SECAP programme meant that students were able to buy
shoes, uniforms and other school supplies, as well as cover the cost of transport to and from school.
Without SECAP support, all these costs may have made it prohibitive for a student like Mahdia from
Lamno, Aceh Jaya, to attend school.
31
33. Education
Indonesia
Aceh Province
Aceh Barat
Aceh Barat Daya
Aceh Besar
Aceh Jaya
Banda Aceh
Nagan Raya
Pulo Aceh Island
Sabang Island
Central Java
Yogyakarta
West Sumatra
Padang
32
34. School Construction: While many families were in need of assistance to ensure that their children were able to return to school, there
was also a huge need to rebuild the physical infrastructure of the education system. Through partnership with the German Red Cross,
the Irish Red Cross funded the construction of five schools on the remote island of Pulo Aceh and one school in Banda Aceh.
Opposite page, bottom left: Irish Red Cross Country Representative Dan Prewitt, Community Outreach Programme Manager Helena
Rea and Head of the International Department, Noel Wardick on the boat to Pulo Aceh which was the sole means of getting personnel
and materials onto the island.
33
35. Education
Indonesia
Aceh Province
Aceh Barat
Aceh Barat Daya
Aceh Besar
Aceh Jaya
Irish Red Cross and German Red Cross staff worked closely on the schools construction,
with joint monitoring visits arranged to Pulo Aceh Island on a regular basis.
Banda Aceh Right: Irish Red Cross Secretary General John Roycroft and Head of the International
Department, Noel Wardick, on the Australian Red Cross boat “The Solferino” en
route to Pulo Aceh, December 2008.
Nagan Raya
Pulo Aceh Island
Sabang Island
Central Java
Yogyakarta
West Sumatra
Padang
34
37. Indonesia Water and Sanitation
Aceh Province
Aceh Barat
Aceh Barat Daya
Aceh Besar
Aceh Jaya
Banda Aceh
Nagan Raya
Pulo Aceh Island
Sabang Island
Central Java
Yogyakarta
West Sumatra
Temporary Living Shelters: The water and sanitation needs in Aceh Province
following the Tsunami were massive. As temporary living shelters were established for
Padang the hundreds of thousands of people who had lost their homes, the Irish Red Cross
developed an innovative approach to provide improved access to water and sanitation,
through numerous small-scale activities to fill the gaps left by larger projects, including
providing cleaning tools and improving drainage channels.
36
39. Water and Sanitation
Indonesia
Aceh Province
Aceh Barat
Aceh Barat Daya
Aceh Besar
Aceh Jaya
Banda Aceh
Nagan Raya
Pulo Aceh Island
Sabang Island
Central Java
Yogyakarta
West Sumatra
Padang Community Based Projects: As homes were rebuilt, people moved out of the temporary living shelters. Continuing the community-led approach to water and sanitation, the Irish
Red Cross worked directly with communities to identify their own needs, such as this project at Deah Mamplam in Aceh Besar District to improve access to clean water. Parallel
to the physical infrastructure which was built, Irish Red Cross staff worked with communities to establish volunteer water and sanitation committees to maintain the water systems
put in place and to promote good hygiene practices for the adults and children.
38
41. Water and Sanitation
Indonesia
Aceh Province
Aceh Barat
Aceh Barat Daya
Aceh Besar
Aceh Jaya
Banda Aceh
Nagan Raya
Pulo Aceh Island
Sabang Island
Central Java
Yogyakarta
West Sumatra
Padang
40
42. The positive impact that a permanent water tower, such as was constructed by the Irish Red Cross in
Labuy village (far left) or plumbed toilets, such as those built in 11 schools (above) has on the health
and well-being of a community cannot be underestimated.
41
43. Indonesia Humanitarian Responses
Aceh Province
Aceh Barat
Aceh Barat Daya
Aceh Besar
Aceh Jaya
Banda Aceh Yogyakarta Earthquake: Indonesia is located in one of the most active geological
areas of the world, and earthquakes are unfortunately a common occurrence across
the country. From our base in Banda Aceh, the Irish Red Cross was able to send staff
and assistance following two such events. In May 2006, an earthquake measuring
Nagan Raya 6.3 on the Richter scale hit Yogyakarta on the island of Java and claimed more than
5,700 lives. Then in September and October 2009 two large earthquakes struck near
to Padang on the island of Sumatra killing nearly 1,200 people and destroying over
250,000 houses.
Pulo Aceh Island
Sabang Island
Central Java
Yogyakarta
West Sumatra
Padang
42
45. Humanitarian Responses
Indonesia
Aceh Province
Aceh Barat
Aceh Barat Daya
Aceh Besar
Aceh Jaya
Banda Aceh
Nagan Raya
Pulo Aceh Island
Sabang Island
Central Java
Yogyakarta
West Sumatra
Padang
In the wake of the May 2006 Yogyakarta earthquake, the Irish Red Cross provided assistance to affected households with the technical, material and financial assistance to build
their own durable, earthquake-resistant bamboo framed temporary shelters.
44
46. Padang Earthquake: A team of four Irish Red Cross staff members from our Community Outreach
Programme were sent to Padang following the earthquakes in September and October 2009. Delegate
Will Rogers, Project Manager Helena Rea, Photographer Gail Zulfikar, and Radio Director Nusafri
spent two weeks assisting PMI and the IFRC provide accurate information to the affected communities
hit by the earthquake. This included linking up our Rumoh PMI radio station and Warung Kopi TV
show in Banda Aceh to the Padang region so that information could be communicated effectively
without the need to establish new structures in the midst of the destruction of Padang.
45
47. Indonesia Farewell Banda Aceh!
Aceh Province
Aceh Barat
Aceh Barat Daya
Aceh Besar
Aceh Jaya
Banda Aceh
Nagan Raya
Pulo Aceh Island
Sabang Island
Central Java
Yogyakarta
West Sumatra
Padang
46
48. St. Patrick’s Day: Despite the challenging work undertaken on a daily basis, everyone is Irish on St Patrick’s Day, so 17th March 2009 was a time for celebration by the team in Banda Aceh, and an excuse to wear green.
47
49. Farewell Banda Aceh!
Indonesia
Aceh Province
Aceh Barat
Aceh Barat Daya
Aceh Besar
Aceh Jaya
Banda Aceh
Nagan Raya
Pulo Aceh Island
Sabang Island
Central Java
Yogyakarta
West Sumatra
Padang
48
50. Irish Red Cross Society
Tsunami Relief Recovery Programme
2005 – 2011
Indonesia
Health Care No of beneficiaries
Access to an improved water source:
• Water and sanitation projects in transitional shelters 2,780
• Washing shelters and household wells 14,000
• Household and community connections to mains water supply 596
• Community water supply systems 3,796
Improved waste management facilities or improved latrines 17,138
Community hygiene promotion training of trainers 352
Community hygiene promotion trainings and promotional materials 5,884
Total beneficiaries 44,546
Shelter Community Construction No of beneficiaries
Permanent houses 51
Schools (construction and rehabilitation) 831
Total beneficiaries 882
Livelihoods No of beneficiaries
Individuals that have received education support grants 7,843
Total beneficiaries 7,843
Beneficiary Communication No of beneficiaries
Cases facilitated by the Community Advocacy Unit 9,100
Rumoh - PMI newspaper 98,392 (per edition)
Radio programmes 90,447 (per hour)
TV shows 78,835 (per episode)
Total beneficiaries 276,774
Disaster Management No of beneficiaries
Opposite page, top: Irish Red Cross Country Representative Tim Cummings draws the Irish Red Cross
operations to a close in December 2009, and thanks everyone involved. While the Irish Red Cross Support for ICRC emergency humanitarian activities 2,480
Banda Aceh office has now closed, we handed over the Rumoh PMI radio station and the SECAP Total beneficiaries 2,480
education programme to the Indonesian Red Cross who continue to work with the most vulnerable
of society, with the ongoing support of the Irish Red Cross.
49
51. The Maldives
Haa Alifu
The Maldives
Haa Dhaalu
Shaviyani
Raa
Dhuvvaafaru
Noonu
Baa
Country information: The Maldives is a chain of more than 1,100 islands in Irish Red Cross response: Due to the large scale destruction of vital
Lhaviyani the Indian Ocean, separated into 26 atolls with a land surface area of less community infrastructure, the international Red Cross Red Crescent
than 300km2, making it one of the smallest and most disparate countries in Movement undertook a co-ordinated approach to rebuilding, not just the
Kaafu
the world. Situated off the tip of the Indian sub-continent, the Maldives lies houses which had been destroyed but also the community infrastructure
Maafushi about 700km south-west of Sri Lanka. While the Maldives is renowned for and social networks which had been so severely impacted. The Irish Red
the beauty of its tropical islands, and is a popular holiday destination, life Cross took an active part in this rebuilding through funding the construction
Guraidhoo is dominated by the ocean and is extremely vulnerable to natural disasters. of entirely new sewerage systems on three islands (Dh.Kudahuvadhoo,
Most of the islands only stand 1.5m about sea level, so any change in sea K.Maafushi and K.Guraidhoo).
Alifu Alifu
conditions can have a massive impact on the life of the country. Recently,
Male the threatened impact of climate change led the Maldivian Government to In partnership with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red
hold an underwater Cabinet meeting to highlight the potentially catastrophic Crescent Societies (IFRC), the Irish Red Cross sewer system linked into an
Alifu Dhaalu
impact of even a small increase in sea levels. American Red Cross funded project aimed at upgrading and replacing
Vaavu household septic tanks on these three islands. By taking this co-ordinated
Impact of the Tsunami: The Tsunami crashed into the low lying islands approach, the communities on the three islands have been ensured clean
Faafu of the Maldives around 12 noon on 26th December 2004, completely and safe water, and the natural environment has been improved dramatically
inundating 73 of the 199 inhabited islands. While the loss of life was as raw sewage is no longer being pumped into the surrounding waters.
Meemu
thankfully lower than in many surrounding countries, the waves swept In addition to providing over e4.4 million in funding to the IFRC for
Dhaalu across the island nation destroying homes, businesses and infrastructure this project, between 2005 and 2008, three Irish Red Cross Delegates
and displacing a large proportion of the 300,000 inhabitants. Along with were seconded to the IFRC to provide expert advice and assistance on
Kudahavadhoo
Indonesia and Sri Lanka, the Maldives was one of the countries worst construction, IT and communications related matters.
affected by the Tsunami. It is estimated that the damage caused equated
Thaa
to over 60% of the country’s GDP and one in every ten persons was The Irish Red Cross continues to be actively engaged in the Maldives,
Laamu displaced – translating to more people per capita than in any other with an Irish Red Cross Delegate becoming the Head of Delegation for
affected country. the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. During
Gaafu Alifu
2011, Irish Red Cross is funding a three year project promoting cultures of
Gaafu Dhaalu non-violence and child protection in local communities in the Maldives.
Gnaviyani
Seenu
50
52. N S
The Maldives
- 26 Atolls
Maafushi
Guraidhoo
Indian Ocean
Kaafu
Lhaviyani
Male Vaavu
Meemu Laamu Gnaviyani
Noonu
Gaafu Alifu
Haa Seenu
Shaviyani
Dhaalu Gaafu Dhaalu
Alifu Dhaalu
Thaa
Haa Raa
Alifu Dhaalu
Faafu
Baa Alifu
Alifu
Dhuvvaafaru Kudahuvadhoo
Human Impact Physical Damage Reconstruction
Killed and Missing 108 Structures Destroyed 6,000 Cost of Recovery 300 million
Injured 1,313 Losses Damages 377million Aid Pledged 280million
Displaced People 29,577
51
53. The Maldives Water, Sanitation and Community Construction
Haa Alifu
Haa Dhaalu
Shaviyani
Raa
Dhuvvaafaru
Noonu
Baa
Lhaviyani
Kaafu
Maafushi
Guraidhoo
Community Sewerage Systems: The old system of sewage outfall on Maafushi Island
(top left) pumped raw sewage straight into the sea. The Irish Red Cross funded
Alifu Alifu
sewage system was built to collect wastewater from houses and community buildings
and discharge the effluent safely beyond the lagoon. This prevents pollution of the
Male groundwater, and ensures disposal of wastewater in an environmentally safe manner,
while also improving the health of the local populations who live and work so closely
Alifu Dhaalu to the sea.
Vaavu Below: Maldives Environment and Water Minister, Ahmed Abdullah, and the
International Federation’s Head of Delegation in the Maldives, Jerry Talbot, dig
Faafu symbolic shovels into sandy soil to mark the start of construction of the community
sewerage system on Maafushi Island in August 2006.
Meemu
Dhaalu
Kudahavadhoo
Thaa
Laamu
Gaafu Alifu
Gaafu Dhaalu
Gnaviyani
Seenu
52
54. Despite being 99% water, and vulnerable to rising sea levels, the Maldives is chronically short of fresh
water. People rely on rainwater and the limited groundwater trapped beneath the islands. However,
the Tsunami ruined the groundwater supplies, so the International Red Cross and Red Crescent
Movement developed a comprehensive water programme, including building 15 supplementary water
systems on the islands in most need, and installed over 100,000 rainwater harvesting tanks.
Left: Irish Red Cross staff members Michael Wardick and Joe Lowry at the groundbreaking ceremony
to commemorate the start of work on the community sewerage system on Maafushi Island in August
2006.
53
55. Water, Sanitation and Community Construction
The Maldives
Haa Alifu
Haa Dhaalu
Shaviyani
Raa
Dhuvvaafaru
Noonu
Baa
Lhaviyani
Kaafu
Maafushi
Guraidhoo
Alifu Alifu Bottom Left: The territory of the Maldives is made up of 99 per cent saltwater.
Supplementary water systems were installed, which provided much needed fresh water
supplies to communities. Bottom Middle: The tsunami also damaged or destroyed
Male
thousands of houses like this one shown here. The International Red Cross and Red
Crescent Movement adopted a “build back better” approach to reconstruction in the
Alifu Dhaalu
Maldives.
Vaavu
Faafu
Meemu
Dhaalu
Kudahavadhoo
Thaa
Laamu
Gaafu Alifu
Gaafu Dhaalu
Gnaviyani
Seenu
54
56. The people of the Maldives are closely connected to the sea, and fishing is the life-blood for many
families. Following the Tsunami, there was an urgent need to replace lost and damaged fishing boats
and equipment, and was one of the key priorities for the Maldivian Government and humanitarian
agencies.
Below: International Department staff member Colm Byrne inspects a rainwater harvesting tank on
one of the newly constructed houses on Guraidhoo Island in November 2006.
55
57. Water, Sanitation and Community Construction
The Maldives
Haa Alifu
Haa Dhaalu
Shaviyani
Raa
Dhuvvaafaru
Noonu
Baa
Lhaviyani Community Reconstruction: The Irish Red Cross was actively involved in the
community reconstruction process through the secondment of construction, IT and
Kaafu communications experts to the IFRC. Irish Red Cross staff member, Tanya Pocock
(above), spent more than a year in the the Maldives assisting in the development of
Maafushi comprehensive IT systems to support the local communities.
Guraidhoo In March 2006, Irish Red Cross Secretary General, Carmel Dunne (below), visited the
Maldives as part of an international Red Cross and Red Crescent Delegation, and met
Alifu Alifu owners of new homes on Maafushi Island. This was one of 14 International Federation-
built homes on the island that were connected to the community sewerage system.
Male
Left: Rashida Zakaria, with two of her 12 children, who were all displaced by the
Tsunami sitting outside their new home on Kudahuvadhoo Island.
Alifu Dhaalu
Vaavu Opposite Page
Construction workers installing household septic tanks on Guraidhoo Island.
Faafu Through a successful collaboration between Red Cross partners, the American Red
Cross provided the household septic tanks which linked to the community sewerage
Meemu system funded by the Irish Red Cross.
Dhaalu
Kudahavadhoo
Thaa
Laamu
Gaafu Alifu
Gaafu Dhaalu
Gnaviyani
Seenu
56
59. Water, Sanitation and Community Construction
The Maldives
Haa Alifu
Haa Dhaalu
Shaviyani
Raa
Dhuvvaafaru
Noonu
Baa
Lhaviyani
Kaafu
Maafushi
Guraidhoo
Alifu Alifu
Male
Alifu Dhaalu
Vaavu
Faafu
Meemu
Dhaalu
Kudahavadhoo Above: Seventy-year-old Aminath Aboobaker from Maafushi Island, who has nine
children and 30 grandchildren, sensed something was wrong and ran for safety as the
Thaa Tsunami hit. “We were swept off our feet but luckily we were carried to the mosque
and safety.”
Laamu
Gaafu Alifu
Opposite Page
Top left: Johan Schaar, IFRC Special Representative for Tsunami Operations, views
Gaafu Dhaalu nearly completed houses on Kudahuvadhoo Island in February 2006.
Gnaviyani Bottom right: Irish Red Cross staff member Joe Lowry and Muhammed Mustharshid,
IFRC Construction Programme Officer, standing on the roof of one of the 50 houses
Seenu built for Tsunami survivors on Kudahuvadhoo Island.
58
61. Water, Sanitation and Community Construction
The Maldives
Left: Ensuring that the sewerage outflow pipes were working effectively included
Haa Alifu extensive underwater technical inspections by qualified divers at depths of up
to 7.5 m.
Haa Dhaalu
Shaviyani
Raa
Dhuvvaafaru
Noonu
Baa
Lhaviyani
Kaafu
Maafushi
Guraidhoo
Alifu Alifu
Male
Alifu Dhaalu
Vaavu
Faafu
Meemu
Dhaalu
Kudahavadhoo
Thaa
Laamu
Gaafu Alifu
Gaafu Dhaalu
Gnaviyani
Seenu
60
62. Irish Red Cross Society
Tsunami Relief Recovery Programme
2005 - 2011
The Maldives
Health Care No of beneficiaries
Improved waste management facilities or improved latrines 8,300
Total beneficiaries 8,300
Shelter Community Construction No of beneficiaries
Community construction support 5,800
Total beneficiaries 5,800
Above: Children displaced by the Tsunami play in front of a newly built water treatment plant on
Gadhdhoo Island.
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63. Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka
Colombo District
Colombo
Kalutara District
Kalutara
Panadura
Country information: Sri Lanka has always played an important strategic Movement, the Irish Red Cross undertook programmes in four of the Districts
Ampara District
role in the Indian Ocean, and with 1,340km of coastline large portions of the hit hardest by the Tsunami:
country have a direct connection with the sea. Sri Lanka is a similar size to
Akkaraipattu
Ireland, but has a population five times larger at over 20 million inhabitants, • Colombo: Massive displacement of people into the capital created a
many of whom live in coastal areas. For much of the past 30 years, the island need to strengthen temporary and permanent facilities, such as shelters
Karativu was gripped by a vicious civil war between the Government and the Liberation and schools.
Tigers of Tamil Elam (LTTE). • Kalutara: The Irish Red Cross built apartments for nearly 300 people and a
Nindavur school in Kalutara town, a maternity clinic in Panadura, and provided
Impact of the Tsunami: Due to the shape of Sri Lanka and the way the assistance to over 1,000 people to restart their livelihoods.
Pottuvil Tsunami spread out across the Indian Ocean, the waves hit not just the east • Ampara: Through innovative partnerships, such as the Galway-Sri Lanka
coast but swirled around the top and bottom of the island. The destruction Project, the Irish Red Cross helped to rebuild 250 homes, one hospital,
Vellavelli caused was particularly bad in the eastern Districts of Trincomalee, Batticaloa a water supply and distribution system for over 6,000 people, a water
and Ampara, the western Districts of Galle and Kalutara, and the northern supply network for the main District hospital and provided livelihoods
Weeragoda Districts of Jaffna and Mullaittivu. assistance to over 8,000 people.
• Batticaloa: Through a co-ordinated approach to help rebuild
Two key factors compounded the effects of the Tsunami in Sri Lanka. First of communities, the Irish Red Cross built three hospitals, over 700 homes
Batticaloa District
all, the wide extent of coastline hit meant that the relief effort had to cover and provided livelihoods assistance to nearly 1,500 people.
an extremely large geographic area. Secondly, the civil war between the
Batticaloa
Government and the LTTE in the northern and eastern parts of the country was While the Irish Red Cross finalised its direct activities in Sri Lanka in June
ongoing from the time of the Tsunami until mid-2009 making relief operations 2009, we continue to support the work of the Sri Lanka Red Cross Society
Kallar
in those areas particularly difficult. and the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement through funding
and provision of Irish Red Cross Delegates in Sri Lanka for our Red Cross
Kathiravelli Irish Red Cross response: The Red Cross appeal for Sri Lanka highlighted the partners. Massive humanitarian needs remain in the north of the country not
urgent need to rebuild vital family and community infrastructure, from housing only because of the Tsunami but also due to 30 years of conflict. The Irish Red
PKK and health facilities to schools and livelihoods. Therefore, in partnership with Cross therefore continues to support these communities as they resettle back in
the Sri Lanka Red Cross Society and the International Red Cross Red Crescent their communities.
Santivelli
Thiramaidu
62
64. India N
S
Bay
of Bengal
Indian Sri
Ocean Lanka Santivelli
Kathiravelli
Batticaloa
Batticaloa
District Putthukkudiyuruppa (PKK)
Kallar
Karativu
Weeragoda
Human Impact Vellavelli Sammanthurai
Killed and Missing 35,322 Colombo Nindavur
Injured
Displaced People
21,441
516,150
Colombo District Akkaraipattu
Ampara Pottuvil
District
Panadura
Physical Damage
Kalutara
Kalutara District
Structures Destroyed 119,562
Losses Damages 1.8 billion
Reconstruction
Cost of Recovery 1.8 billion
Aid Pledged 2.6 billion
63
65. Sri Lanka Colombo District
Colombo District
Colombo
Kalutara District
Kalutara
Panadura
Ampara District
Akkaraipattu
Karativu
Nindavur
Pottuvil
Vellavelli
Weeragoda
Batticaloa District
Batticaloa
Kallar Schools Projects: Schools Projects: The Tsunami forced thousands of people to flee
their homes in coastal provinces of Sri Lanka, and emergency shelters were set up in
many schools, including around the capital Colombo, to provide immediate short-
Kathiravelli term accommodation for those made homeless. Once more appropriate housing was
found, many of these schools needed refurbishment work so students could return
to their studies. In Colombo District, the Irish Red Cross repaired six schools and
PKK provided equipment such as desks, chairs and books for 5,000 students.
Above: Irish Red Cross Country Co-ordinator, Sheila Callan, speaks to school children
Santivelli in Colombo in December 2005.
Thiramaidu
64
67. Sri Lanka Kalutara District
Colombo District
Colombo
Kalutara District
Kalutara
Panadura
Ampara District
Akkaraipattu
Karativu
Above: Irish Red Cross Chairperson, David Andrews (above) cuts the ribbons at the
Nindavur formal opening ceremony for the Janaraja apartment complex in October 2006, while
(below) a ceremonial candle is lit as part of the traditional Hindu puja blessing.
Pottuvil
Vellavelli
Weeragoda
Batticaloa District
Batticaloa
Kallar
Kathiravelli
PKK
Santivelli
Thiramaidu
66
68. Janaraja Apartment Complex: To ensure a comprehensive approach for the local community, the Irish Red Cross rebuilt homes, a school and
provided skills training and economic assistance to over 200 families in Kalutara town. One of the first major projects that the Irish Red Cross
undertook in Sri Lanka was the construction of 64 apartments for families whose homes at the seafront had been destroyed by the waves.
67
69. Kalutara District
Sri Lanka
Colombo District
Colombo
Kalutara District
Kalutara
Panadura
Ampara District
Akkaraipattu
Karativu
Nindavur
The Pat Kenny Show: TV and radio broadcaster, Pat Kenny, visited Irish Red Cross
projects in Kalutara in 2005 and met with families who had lost everything in the
Pottuvil
Tsunami. He was shown around by Irish Red Cross staff including, Sheila Callan,
Liam McCarton, Jackie Quelly and Nimal Hemachandra. Pat Kenny and his team
returned in 2006 to visit the same families as they prepared to move into their
Vellavelli new homes. His reports from Sri Lanka as communities rebuilt their lives won the
prestigious PPI national radio current affairs award for 2006.
Weeragoda
Batticaloa District
Batticaloa
Kallar
Kathiravelli
PKK
Santivelli
Thiramaidu
68
70. Sri Sumangala Boy’s School: As part of our work in rehabilitating schools which were used as emergency
camps for displaced people immediately after the Tsunami, the Irish Red Cross built and equipped 20
temporary classrooms in the Sri Sumangala Boy’s School, Panadura, which were opened in January 2006.
This provided classroom facilities for 3,500 students while a new school for the pupils was built.
69