Photo Credit: Refugees International
01/09/2005

Sri Lankans rebuild a railroad after the tsunami.

Eugene Carlson travelled to Sri Lanka to investigate the situation for those displaced by the tsunami and learned the following:

"The devastation is extensive, although the damage is inconsistent; a number of structures survived. A guest lodge close to the sea was 100% intact because a small hill sheltered it from the wave, but a quarter mile down the road, where there was no protection, everything was flattened. Square blocks of rubble are common, yet some new structures right at seaside made it through. In other places, houses were flattened 400 meters inland.

"I saw ample evidence of recovery. A few front loaders and excavators were clearing rubble. A handful of roadside vendors were selling their wares. Some shops that remained standing are open. A few people were sitting, morose, in the midst of their destroyed homes, but they were the exception. Most people were up and about, sweeping, clearing, repairing. Two schools I visited were planning to reopen on Monday. The national government was quick to clear and reopen the two-lane coast highway, which required at least one new bridge. This is the only significant coastal road, a hugely important lifeline. The highway is now full of traffic. "