South Asian Tsunami, Dec 2004

One of the deadliest natural disasters ever recorded, the Boxing Day Tsunami measured 9.1 magnitude and shook the Indian Ocean region, badly affecting countries like Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India and Thailand.

Nearly 200,000 people are confirmed to have been killed over 1.5 million displaced. In Sri Lanka alone, nearly half a million people were displaced and over 35,000 killed, making it the second worst affected country after Indonesia.

IODR was founded and initially provided emergency relief of shelter, lighting, food, blankets and medical supplies in the immediate aftermath. IODR’s most recognised work and the vital need for long term sustainability has been in Sri Lanka.