Curbing Corruption in Tsunami Relief Operations

Abstract

The Indian Ocean tsunami that hit South and Southeast Asia in December 2004 was one of the worst natural calamities of recent times, the scale of the devastation to coastal communities across the region almost incomprehensible. As befits a disaster of such magnitude, the humanitarian response was massive. Emergency efforts to relieve the survivors’ suffering were accompanied by financial pledges to fund the huge cost of reconstruction and long-term recovery. Concerns that corruption, waste, and mismanagement may undermine these efforts were voiced at an early stage and from many quarters. The huge amounts of money involved, the urgent need for speedy assistance, and the difficult conditions in the affected areas contributed to widespread fears of potential diversion of aid resources away from those in need.