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Tsunami Survivors Look Ahead

Officials concerned about post-aid economy, beefing up warning systems

By Wesley Oliver,  Newser Staff

Posted Dec 26, 2007 11:55 AM CST
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(Newser) – As candles are lit today in memory of the 230,000 victims of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, the Christian Science Monitor reports on the results of the $13.6 billion effort to help survivors. The aid has largely been used effectively, but now officials worry about the recovering economies after the rebuilding boom peaks and the aid dries up.

“A lot has been rebuilt,” said one local, “but what will happen when all the money has gone?” The  Indonesian government has warned of as many as 40,000 layoffs in Aceh province in 2009. Preparing for possible future disasters is another challenge; new tsunami alerts are being installed in the Indian Ocean, but disputes abound over whether survivors should be allowed to rebuild in risky areas, with proximity to the fishing that provides their livelihood.

A test of a tsunami warning system on Thailand's resort island of Phuket was successfully conducted Saturday, April 7, 2007, more than two years after the region was devastated by the disaster that killed over 8,000 people in the Southeast Asian country. A UN-led multi-donor effort has begun to...
A test of a tsunami warning system on Thailand's resort island of Phuket was successfully conducted Saturday, April 7, 2007, more than two years after the region was devastated by the disaster that killed...   (Associated Press)
Tourists race past a tsunami warning sign in Khao Lak, Thailand, Tuesday, Dec. 25, 2007. Thai's and foreigners alike are set to observe the third anniversary of the worst natural disaster in recent memory. More than 8,000 people were killed in Thailand alone when a giant tsunami wave struck...
Tourists race past a tsunami warning sign in Khao Lak, Thailand, Tuesday, Dec. 25, 2007. Thai's and foreigners alike are set to observe the third anniversary of the worst natural disaster in recent...   (Associated Press)
In this combo aerial photo of the town of Calang released by Aceh Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Agency (BRR) taken on Aug. 3, 2005, left, and Dec. 14, 2007, right, shows the progress of the reconstruction in the province hardest hit by Dec. 26, 2004 tsunami. Survivors prayed at mass graves...
In this combo aerial photo of the town of Calang released by Aceh Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Agency (BRR) taken on Aug. 3, 2005, left, and Dec. 14, 2007, right, shows the progress of the reconstruction...   (Associated Press)
A Catholic Sri Lankan boy stares into a candle during the memorial service held for the victims of the tsunami on the eve of the New Year on December 31, 2004 in Tangalle, Sri Lanka. Three-thousand families still live in shelters around Banda Aceh, and some international agencies have drawn...
A Catholic Sri Lankan boy stares into a candle during the memorial service held for the victims of the tsunami on the eve of the New Year on December 31, 2004 in Tangalle, Sri Lanka. Three-thousand families...   (Getty Images)
Foreign tourist and others launch lanterns in remembrance in Khao Lak, Thailand Wednesday, Dec. 26, 2007, on the third anniversary of the Asian tsunami. More than 8,000 people in Thailand were killed when the tsunami wave struck the area following a massive earthquake. (AP Photo/David Longstreath)
Foreign tourist and others launch lanterns in remembrance in Khao Lak, Thailand Wednesday, Dec. 26, 2007, on the third anniversary of the Asian tsunami. More than 8,000 people in Thailand were killed...   (Associated Press)
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Asia marks tsunami anniversary, remembers victims
AFP

Tsunami warning systems tested, up to standard
Bangkok Post (Thailand)

Some survivors still homeless, others back on their feet
Washington Post

 
United Nations • Indonesia • tsunami • Thailand • aid • Indian Ocean • natural disaster • Aceh • foreign donors • Tamil Nadu

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