The work of the Finnish Red Cross (FRC) to support the recovery programmes in the tsunami-affected areas is about to be completed. By the end of 2010, 30.3 million euros will have been spent on assistance in Finland, Sri Lanka, Indonesia and Thailand.
An underwater earthquake off the coast of Sumatra unleashed a devastating tsunami on 26th of December 2004. The waves killed over 200 000 people. At least 1,8 million people lost their homes.
After the initial emergency response, the assistance activities in the affected regions have focused on constructing housing and on improving health and disaster preparedness. The peer support programme conducted in Finland is among the most extensive ones undertaken in the country.
In the aftermath of the tsunami, the Finnish Red Cross raised a total of 26.7 million euros for Asia. Additional 4.5 million euros were received from the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, and 0.2 million euros from the Ministry of the Interior.
Assistance in the tsunami-affected areas will still continue in 2010–2011, and all funds donated to the Finnish Red Cross have been budgeted to be used within the period.
Read more about Red Cross assistance
in Finland 
in Indonesia 
in Sri Lanka
in Thailand
elsewhere
Images: IFRC, Morten Hvaal/Norwegian Red Cross, American Red Cross
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