20 Years of Hope and Resilience: Aceh Tsunami Response
Commemorating two decades of recovery, rebuilding, and renewed hope.
It was Sunday morning of 26 December 2004. I was preparing to go for Sunday Mass when I heard the breaking news about the tsunami hitting Aceh. Each hour the number of casualties, mostly women and children at that time, kept increasing at a rapid pace.
The disaster
On December 26, 2004, the Indian Ocean tsunami struck Aceh, Indonesia, causing unimaginable devastation. World Vision responded immediately, bringing life-saving aid and long-term recovery efforts to help communities rebuild their lives.
230,000 lives
were lost to the devastation of the Aceh Tsunami.
1.7 million people
were displaced and forced to live near the coastlines in makeshift accommodation.
1.16 million people
received support to rebuild their lives through World Vision's 356M-dollar response programme.
Stories of Resilience
Banda Aceh Elementary School
The tsunami destroyed the whole school. Then we received aid from World Vision and others. It took 3 to 4 years for the school to get back on its feet...
Lessons Learned and Looking Ahead
Our work in Aceh taught us the power of partnerships, resilience, and faith. We remain committed to building a safer and more resilient future for vulnerable communities.
