VOA News - International Tsunami Assistance Aims to Stimulate Economies

VOA News - International Tsunami Assistance Aims to Stimulate Economies: "International Tsunami Assistance Aims to Stimulate Economies By Patricia Nunan
New Delhi
24 February 2005
Two months after the devastating Indian Ocean tsunami, the aid effort has moved from supplying emergency food and shelter to rebuilding homes, schools and businesses. International organizations also hope to get survivors back to work, as the quickest way to help affected communities fully recover from the disaster.
When the tsunami swept onto the shores of 12 countries on December 26, it washed away not just human lives, but schools, hospitals, government offices, telephone and power lines - the infrastructure that holds towns and communities together. The waves tore up train tracks, and heaped tons of debris on roads and highways. They destroyed crops and smashed the fishing boats coastal communities depend on to make a living.
In the disaster's immediate aftermath, governments and international organizations pledged nearly $5 billion to help repair the damage."