HFH Thailand Implements a Relief Program in the Stricken South

BANGKOK: 7th January 2005: Habitat for Humanity Thailand is planning to raise US$1.5 million to build 1,000 transitional "core" or "kit" homes in response to the Indian Ocean tsunamis. Directors for HFH Thailand are working on detailed plans for further fundraising and building in the six disaster-stricken provinces of the south.

The Thai plans would include creating one or more "disaster response technical centers" - modeled on Habitat's successful building and training center concept. The centers would provide technical expertise and assistance to families, Habitat affiliates and partners.

A "core" house would involve a permanent structure comprising one room and a verandah under a roof plus outside sanitary facilities. A "kit" house would be a permanent structure and a roof. This would exclude external/internal walls -- families may insert temporary walls themselves.

Estimates put the number of houses damaged or destroyed at 30,000. The Thai government is organizing a major compensation and rebuilding program. However, many of those affected may fall outside the program, especially if they find it difficult to prove title to land they have lived on. The death toll in south Thailand continues to rise. More than 5,300 people - half of them foreigners - lost their lives, and nearly 4,000 are still missing.

One of Thailand's largest banks, Bank of Ayuthaya, has committed the equivalent of US$250,000 for a reconstruction program with HFH Thailand.

Representatives of the Asia-Pacific office for Habitat for Humanity International attended a meeting with Christian churches and Christian-related NGOs today. This has established communications amongst the various groups working alongside each other, to co-ordinate actions and avoid duplication of relief and rebuilding efforts.

You can help the efforts of the Habitat for Humanity Disaster Response Office by a donation to the Asia Tsunami Response Fund