TEAR Fund New Zealand
For Immediate Release: 21/03/05

New Zealander's support is making a significant difference in tsunami affected areas

The unprecedented humanitarian response to the tsunami in South Asia has been incredibly effective, says aid organisation TEAR Fund New Zealand. Two months after the disaster struck, New Zealander's generous support is making a significant difference in tsunami affected areas.

Operating through local partner agencies in South Asia, donors' generosity has allowed TEAR Fund to distribute food rations, water, utensils, essential supplies, clothes and bedding to over 35,000 affected families. The provision of hygiene kits and health education has been successful in preventing any widespread outbreaks of disease.

In Sri Lanka, TEAR Fund's partners have dredged and desalted 4000 drinking wells. In Indonesia five water purification plants - each capable of providing 40,000 litres of drinking water per day - have been constructed. India has seen over 500 temporary shelters and latrines erected, as well as concrete water storage facilities. In all areas trauma counseling and social services support is ongoing.

"At TEAR Fund we have been genuinely humbled by the support of New Zealanders. I have no doubt countless lives were saved by their generous giving. Initial fears of widespread deaths through hunger and disease dissipated, thanks to the unprecedented response of donors and quick action by aid organisations," says TEAR Fund Executive Director Stephen Tollestrup.

TEAR Fund will remain in tsunami affected areas long term to ensure the complete resumption of livelihoods. This is to be achieved through Microenterprise and community development projects.

ENDS

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