Internally Displaced
Persons (IDP) Camps, Banda Aceh: International aid organizations from
around the world have arrived and all around town, IDP camps are set
up. As quickly as the camps are constructed they fill with survivors
eager for a meal and a place to sleep. Organizations like International
Catholic Migration Commission (ICMC) and others, begin post traumatic
stress counseling inside the camps, helping people overcome unimaginable
losses and feelings of "survivor's guilt". For survivors who have lost
so much, just a moment with someone willing to take the time to listen
to a tragic story, provides much needed personal contact.
Epilogue: Reports
indicate that to date, between seven and twelve Billion dollars have
been raised by governments and the private sector for tsunami relief.
Aid groups continue to work in Sumatra and other areas, hard hit by
the tsunami. Just prior to his death, Pope John Paul II found something
positive to say about this incredible human tragedy…. "This sort of
human solidarity, along with the grace of God, gives hope for better
days to come in the year that begins today" - Pope John Paul II January
1, 2005-
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