From Disaster to Reconstruction: A Report on ADB's Response to the Asian Tsunami

Abstract

In the 12 months since the Andaman Earthquake and Indian Ocean Tsunami decimated entire communities and damaged large tracts of coastline, ADB has been working closely with governments and development partners as emphasis shifted from emergency relief to rehabilitation and reconstruction. Within two weeks of the disaster, ADB teams were actively helping lead, coordinate, and prepare damage and needs assessments. Within six weeks a $600 million Asian Tsunami Fund grant facility had been established. And within four months, most of the funds had been committed, including the largest-ever single ADB grant—$300 million to Indonesia, the hardest hit of the tsunami-affected countries. Including reallocated and new lending, a total of $851 million has been committed for tsunami-related assistance. This report summarizes ADB’s response to the earthquake and tsunami during the first year. It highlights major activities, details project components, and identifies challenges ahead and lessons learned in responding to this unprecedented regional natural disaster.