December 24 2014

Indian Ocean Tsunami - Ten Year Anniversary

On 26 December 2004 the Indian Ocean tsunami, one of the worst natural disasters in human history, snatched away over 230,000 lives in 14 countries. Ten years on, SOS Children's Villages remembers the disaster and pays tribute to the brave children and adults who persevered, helping each other, and rebuilding their lives after the tragedy. And we thank our donors and partners for sharing in our commitment to helping those affected make a full recovery for the long-term.



“On the 10th anniversary of the 2004 Tsunami, which destroyed hundreds of thousands of lives, thousands of communities, and the livelihoods of many others who were not directly impacted, it is right that people are asking: Did the international community do enough? For SOS Children’s Villages the answer was — and will always be — the long-term commitment to help, for as long as we are needed.”

- Richard Pichler, CEO, SOS Children’s Villages International

2004 Tsunami emergency response

With the help of donors and partners from all over the world, SOS Children’s Villages was able to help the tsunami victims and affected communities through...

  • Setting up trauma centres and, later, child-friendly spaces and community centres
  • Providing food and boats to service coastal villages
  • Rebuilding homes for 2,000 families
  • Starting family strengthening programmes to help struggling families get back on their feet
  • And building and running six new Children’s Villages that provide loving homes for children who lost their parents to the tsunami