Oxfam America

Indian Ocean Tsunami

The toll of the December 2004 tsunami was vast. When the waves receded, more than 230,000 people were dead or missing, and the destruction of homes, communities, and the means to make a living was immeasurable. Oxfam and our partners have assisted 2.5 million survivors with aid, from protecting health to rebuilding livelihoods to supporting women’s rights. December 2008 marks the end of the largest Oxfam humanitarian response ever, but we will continue our work in the region to find lasting solutions to poverty and to reduce the risk of future disasters.

Background

The tsunami of December 2004 created a humanitarian emergency of monumental proportions. more »

What Oxfam is Doing

The day the tsunami surged over the coasts of the Indian Ocean, Oxfam began rushing clean water, equipment, shelter materials, and other essential supplies to the region in an all-out effort to protect the lives of the survivors. Over time, the emergency relief effort gave way to helping restore a measure of normalcy to people's lives by rebuilding homes and reviving livelihoods. more »

Real Lives

Forecasting a better future
Forecasting a better future
Tsunami research program in India helps villagers adapt to climate change.
Drawing water to a thirsty village
Drawing water to a thirsty village
Honoring community priorities can lead to high-impact, sustainable results.
Small business helps recovery on Nias
Small business helps recovery on Nias
A modest grant helps turn a small coffee shop into a thriving establishment.
Goddess of wealth smiles on Sri Lanka’s goat farmers
Goddess of wealth smiles on Sri Lanka’s goat farmers
In the tsunami- and conflict-affected district of Ampara, an Oxfam partner is helping women boost their incomes, manage their finances, and improve their status in their communities.
Research that could save lives: HIV and the tsunami disaster
Research that could save lives: HIV and the tsunami disaster
An Oxfam-supported study reveals how and why vulnerability to HIV increased in the aftermath of the tsunami.
More News
Read more about Oxfam's work in the tsunami-affected regions.

Tsunami Fund End of Program Report »

Oxfam’s final report on its four-year response to the tsunami disaster of December 2004.
Donate Now
Contribute to Oxfam America's Global Emergencies Fund.

Research in Action »

In the tsunami-affected region, Oxfam’s humanitarian field studies have been catalysts for change. Read more about our action research program.