Tsunami disaster 2004: lessons from resettlement

The tsunami disaster of 26 December 2004 killed over 30,000 people, displaced 1,000,000 persons and affected over two thirds of the island’s coastline lying in 12 districts. Besides the loss of life and injuries, the tsunami caused extensive damage to infrastructure and property and disruptions of fisheries and other livelihood activities and business assets. After the emergency repairs were attended the government has entered into the phase of rehabilitation and reconstruction of national infrastructure in the affected areas with the assistance of many development partners. However, the national construction industry has not been able to cater to the demand or need of tsunami reconstruction work. Further challenges include procurement delays, ensuring environmental safeguards, security concerns in the uncleared areas and capacity constraints. As far as the new settlements for the beneficiaries are concerned, development of infrastructure such as water, electricity and internal roads remain the biggest challenge to the government.