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Tsunami four-year progress report

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Foreword

Four years after the Indian Ocean tsunami, some of the most important aspects of recovery are the least visible. The Red Cross Red Crescent programmes support communities in rebuilding their lives now and coping with future threats - natural disasters, the effects of climate change, outbreaks of disease, conflict or the rapid rise in the cost of food and fuel.

When livelihoods are secure, children are educated, safe water is plentiful, healthcare is accessible and houses are sturdy, then people are less exposed to future shocks. The result is stronger, more resilient communities. The physical evidence of recovery is obvious in many countries. So far, we have reached more than 4 million people with new or rebuilt houses, improved water and waste disposal, healthcare, livelihoods and other essential activities. Of the 3.1 billion Swiss francs raised through the Red Cross Red Crescent tsunami appeals, 2.3 billion Swiss francs - or 73 per cent of the money raised - has been put to good use.

Today, community life pulses through thousands of freshly completed houses, health clinics, hospitals, community centres and schools. This is a remarkable achievement, given the sheer scale of the task and the complexity of the obstacles. In many places, the emphasis is already shifting from a recovery operation to long-term development in line with the prorities of Red Cross Red Crescent Societies in the countries affected by the tsunami.

Meanwhile, the air still rings with the sound of construction projects being completed. In 12 months, at the five-year mark, most projects will be finished and many partners will have handed over the ongoing running of projects to local communities and local Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. As we hand projects over, Red Cross Red Crescent systems will continue to ensure accountability for the funds entrusted to us.

Yet 2008 has brought many challenges. Conflict or unrest limited or halted programmes in Somalia, Sri Lanka and three Thai provinces. In the north of Sri Lanka, where fighting continues, almost all tsunami projects remain suspended. Floods in Thailand and Sri Lanka, drought in Somalia and an earthquake in Indonesia also hampered reconstruction.

In many cases, these challenges also confirmed the value of National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies' preparation. In early 2008, when floods swept across the north of the country, the Sri Lanka Red Cross Society's branch disaster response teams - formed after the tsunami - were put to the test.

They swung into action, conducting assessments and delivering emergency relief such as food, bedding and hurricane lamps.

Such examples give us hope that, as programmes are completed and handed over to the community or National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, there remains a lasting legacy of resilience.

Jerry Talbot
Special representative for the tsunami operation