After the tragedy in the Indian Ocean: a time to remember, reflect and recommit, December 2004 through October 2005

The world has witnessed a seemingly endless stream of recent disasters - including Hurricane Katrina and the earthquake in Pakistan - but the December 2004 tsunami was an unprecedented tragedy. While the day began like any other for coastal residents of the affected countries, it ended with devastation that stunned even seasoned disaster responders. More than 250,000 people were killed without warning and millions of others lost loved ones and all their belongings. Recovering from a disaster of this magnitude will take years, as people struggle to cope with both physical and emotional losses. That struggle is exacerbated by the extreme poverty that prevailed in many coastal communities before the tsunami struck. At CARE, we are committed to helping these vulnerable communities build back stronger than they were when December 26 dawned. CARE sees how far communities have come in less than one year. But we recognize how much remains to be done - and we ask the public and our generous donors to do the same. The people whose lives were ravaged by the tsunami need and deserve our continued attention, support and commitment. That is why CARE has pledged to remain in affected areas for at least five years.