Sri Lanka Tsunami 2004
The Indian Ocean earthquake of December 26, 2004 with a measured magnitude of 9.1-9.3 was the third largest earthquake ever recorded on a seismograph. The ensuing tsunami struck many of the nations bordering the Indian Ocean. On the northern tip of Sumatra the tsunami waves reached a height of 100 feet. The official death toll from the tsunami was over 230,000 in fourteen different countries.
A joint team was formed between Safe Harbor and Parakletos International (CCCM) which responded to Sri Lanka, where over 35,000 had reportedly been killed by the tsunami. We responded to the southeastern portion of the island and began work with a local church based out of the capital city of Colombo. The village we worked in had been hit by two waves, the largest measuring anywhere from 15 to 25 feet. Through this joint effort we were able to help feed the displaced, clear debris, and clean a number of water wells. The stories of the losses were heart-rending and the surviving children of the school drew pictures for us to take back home. Many of the pictures revealed the horrors that they had experienced. For many on the team it was a very emotional experience which helped personalize the physical destruction we had witnessed. It also confirmed to us that we as Believer need to respond to disasters like this, as ambassadors of Jesus, to give a cup of cold water to those who are without and to let them know that they are loved.
A joint team was formed between Safe Harbor and Parakletos International (CCCM) which responded to Sri Lanka, where over 35,000 had reportedly been killed by the tsunami. We responded to the southeastern portion of the island and began work with a local church based out of the capital city of Colombo. The village we worked in had been hit by two waves, the largest measuring anywhere from 15 to 25 feet. Through this joint effort we were able to help feed the displaced, clear debris, and clean a number of water wells. The stories of the losses were heart-rending and the surviving children of the school drew pictures for us to take back home. Many of the pictures revealed the horrors that they had experienced. For many on the team it was a very emotional experience which helped personalize the physical destruction we had witnessed. It also confirmed to us that we as Believer need to respond to disasters like this, as ambassadors of Jesus, to give a cup of cold water to those who are without and to let them know that they are loved.