Globe

Tsunami: follow-up

“Maldives: silent disaster”

An international appeal to help communities rebuild their lives

A silent disaster is emerging in the Maldives. More than a months since the tsunami devastated one-third of the nation’s inhabited islands, thousands of people are still unable to return to their communities, as insufficient funds are available to cover the very basic human need for shelter. News about the extensive devastation of the Maldives has not adequately reached donor countries or the global public opinion – this is being described by those bearing witness as the silent disaster.
Recovery begins with a home. Therefore, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), with support from the Government of the Maldives, offers private donors an opportunity to directly support communities to rebuild their homes by participating in the ADOPT AN ISLAND initiative.
In the Maldives, building a home takes a lifetime. If, for example, a family has a good fishing season, the extra money is normally used to add more room to their dwelling. In this way, people build their homes: room by room, year by year. The tsunami swept away these decades of progress in a matter of minutes. Shelter on the Maldivian islands is about lives and livelihood. A home kitchen is a productive unit where women process and dry fish for sale or to feed their family. A home’s roof is a lifeline – collecting rainwater in dispensers for drinking.
The Government estimates that one-third of the population was severely affected. Of the 199 inhabited islands, 13 were abandoned, while 53 were severely damaged: public buildings ruined, water and sanitation systems gone, livelihoods shattered. Many are without incomes because their boats, nets, and agricultural tools are lost. Tourism, which livers 33 percent of GDP, has slumped. Luckily the exclusive resort islands were largely unaffected by the tsunami and the majority continue to offer their usual high standard of service. Despite this, occupancy rates have dropped sharply, compared to the full occupancy that is typical for this time of the year.
ADOPT AN ISLAND is part of a programme to address the immediate and now urgent need for shelter. By adopting one or more of the 22 islands participating under the programme, which are among the worst affected, private donors can directly help people to repair or rebuild their homes.

How to help?

• From the attached you will see the names of some of the hardest hit islands and their need for shelter. You simply select the island you wish to assist.
• Once you have made your selection, please contact us and we will send you a detailed description of the programme activities foreseen.

What do you get in return?

• Due acknowledgement for your support.
• Information on the progress of our efforts.
• Knowledge that you have truly made a difference for those whose lives have been ravaged by the tsunami.

If you would like to adopt an island, please contact:

Ibrahim Rasheed
United Nations Development Programme in the Maldives
Tel. + 960 324 501
Mobile: 960 771 648
E-mail: adoptanisland@undp.org

Background note
The Maldives at a glance:

• Population 290,000
• 1,190 islands extending over 900 kilometers
• 199 inhabited islands
• Main income: tourism, fishing and small scale agriculture

The impact of tsunami at a glance:

• One third of the population severely affected, losing their homes, water/food supplies, and livelihoods
• Entire communities uprooted and displaces
• No physical capital left standing on many islands
• Vegetation and top soil washed away from agricultural plots
• Fresh water sources contaminated by sea water
• Main industries (tourism, fisheries) badly affected

Documentation provided by Moez Doraid, UN Humanitarian Coordinator &
Resident Coordinator a.i., UNDP Officer-in-Charge, Male’, Maldives.