On December 26, 2004, the world witnessed one of the deadliest natural disasters in recent history. Leaving hundreds of thousands dead and destroying homes, schools and livelihoods in more than a dozen countries, the tsunami left millions in Asia and East Africa with shattered lives and the challenge of recovery for decades to come.

While the tsunami left inconceivable death, destruction and suffering in its wake, it also prompted unparalleled human kindness and generosity. In the United States and worldwide, public concern for tsunami survivors was overwhelming. Individuals, families, schools, corporations and other organizations donated their time and money to the American Red Cross at unprecedented levels, helping to bring much-needed relief to tsunami survivors. These donors became part of a worldwide network—the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement (the Movement). Through this unique network, food, water, tents, medical supplies and other necessities reached survivors quickly in the hours and days following the tsunami.

Over the subsequent months, the American Red Cross and its partners fed more than two million survivors, established community access to water and sanitation services, prevented disease outbreaks through wide-spread immunization campaigns, helped children and their families cope with emotional trauma through psychosocial activities, funded transitional shelters for those who lost their homes and supported survivors through cash-for-work, community clean-up programs that infused vital resources into local economies.

As the one-year anniversary of the tsunami approaches, this report looks back at the initial American Red Cross response and the transition from emergency relief to long-term recovery work. Tsunami survivors have faced unthinkable tragedy and loss with courage and resilience. Much remains to be done, and the American Red Cross will be there to help. Over the months and years ahead, the American Red Cross and its partners will continue working to—

• improve community health and prevent disease out-breaks through mass immunization campaigns, health and hygiene education and restored water and sanitation systems.
• support communities as they rebuild their lives and reestablish their livelihoods.
• help affected Red Cross and Red Crescent National Societies, their branches and communities develop disaster preparedness capabilities.

We thank our donors for their generous support and invite you to join us for an inside look at a large-scale relief and recovery operation. You will see how the American Red Cross, as part of the Movement, draws upon a global network of skilled workers to respond immediately and help the most vulnerable when disaster strikes. You will also see how, working together to maximize resources and reach people at the community level, the American Red Cross and the Movement help survivors move toward long-term recovery.