“It was as though everything had been bulldozed flat. And then there was the smell of decaying bodies. Everywhere we went there was destruction and the small of decay,” says New Zealander Alex Snary, who was working for World Vision in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
"Everywhere there were the constant surreal and unbelievable reminders of the immense power of the waves."
In the aftermath of the tsunami, New Zealanders generously donated more than $4.5 million to World Vision alone to help children and families survive, recover and build a future. Together, we focused on five of the hardest-hit countries – Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India, Thailand and Myanmar.
As part of our global response, compassionate Kiwis helped provide over 1 million people with life-saving food, water and shelter within the first 90 days of this disaster. Your kindness also helped 1.1 million people with long-term investment to recover and build a future after losing everything.
Right now, you can be there for kids caught in conflict and crises in the world's most dangerous places.
You'll be there for kids when disasters like the Boxing Day Tsunami 2004 strike. Right now, your love will reach kids caught in conflict and crises in Afghanistan, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Bangladesh, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Honduras, Kenya, Lebanon, Mali, Moldova, Myanmar, Niger, Philippines, Türkiye and Uganda.
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As part of an international partnership working in nearly 100 countries, World Vision New Zealand pursues the highest standards of stewardship and accountability.
In 2023, 82% of World Vision New Zealand's total operating expenses were used for international program support that benefited children, families and communities in need. Learn more.