Overview
The tsunami struck Thailand's west coast, causing more than 8,000 casualties, flooding, and massive property damage. More than 1,200 children lost one or both parents. Approximately 500 km of coastline across six provinces on Thailand's Andaman (west) coast were affected by the tsunami.
Partners
In Thailand, ERD has facilitated a partnership between Episcopal churches in the U.S. and Christ Church Bangkok to provide assistance to communities in Phang Nga, Phuket, and Ranong Provinces. Christ Church Bangkok is involved in the tsunami disaster through the Thai Protestant Committee, an umbrella organization for Christian Churches in Thailand.
Goals and Accomplishments:
Emergency Aid-Emergency response included food distribution and replacement of practical items such as household goods and furniture, small appliances, bicycles and school supplies. Total beneficiaries: 4,100.
Fishing Rehabilitation-ERD provided 13 new large boats, repaired 12, and supplied 52 engines. Funds also supported the repair of nets and squid pots. Total beneficiaries: 50 familes.
Other Livelihood Recovery-Loans were provided to restart small businesses, including a grant to establish a cooperative bakery business for women previously involved in the fishing industry. Total beneficiaries: 30 families.
Trauma Counseling and Psychosocial Care-A care center in Khao Lak, Phang Nga provides support for both foreign and Thai workers, receiving 20 to 40 people every day. The center offers a number of training couses for volunteers and staff to understand how to recognize the signs of trauma, including care of children.
Child Protection/Orphan Care-Seven community-based care workers monitor the status of families who have taken in orphans, and provide families with assistance and counseling support. Also, two pre-schools and two playgrounds/parks have been established and coordinated benefiting more than 500 children. Total beneficiaries: 180 families.
