Activities of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
Approximately a third of the Maldives’ population of 300,000 were severely affected by the tsunami, which left 82 people dead. Twenty-six remain unaccounted for and are presumed deceased and 21,663 were displaced. Planned budget for Maldives 2005–2010: CHF 92 million
Main relief activities to date:
- 85 temporary housing blocks have been completed.
- Construction of 102 permanent homes is underway on Guaraidhoo, Kudahavadhoo and Maafushi islands.
- Provided relief items including medical supplies, shelter materials, mattresses, cooking utensils and water and sanitation services for 20,000 people.
- 17,000 people benefited from 32 generators installed on tsunami-affected islands, which restored electricity supplies and enabled the operation of desalination plants to produce clean drinking water.
- 5,550 water tanks and rain water harvesting kits benefiting 33,300 people have been distributed.
- More than 89,300 students from 226 schools received psycho-social support by more than 320 teachers trained by the Red Cross and Red Crescent.
- Initial meetings held and working groups set up to facilitate the formation of a Red Crescent national society in the Maldives.
Future programmes will include:
- Plans are being finalized for a second phase of the temporary housing programme which will decrease congestion within shelters for displaced persons and will allow additional families to move in from host family accommodation.
- Construction of up to 2,261 permanent homes and 32 public buildings, including health facilities, schools and community centres. Of these, 600 permanent homes will be constructed, beginning in November, on the previously uninhabited Dhuvaafaru Island where schools, community centres and related infrastructure will also be built.
- All permanent housing projects include sewerage networks to protect underground fresh water supplies.
- 93,000 people will benefit from a waste management programme which removes tsunami-generated debris and sets up waste management systems on 74 islands.
- Approximately 15,000 water tanks and rain water harvesting kits benefiting a further 90,000 people will be distributed.
