Water & Disaster By Elizabeth Limpic Tsunamis, earthquakes, wars, hurricanes, volcanic eruptions, famines, drought... Disasters come in many forms and can claim thousands of lives when they strike, as in the recent Asian Tsunami. Nowhere is a disaster’s impact more readily seen than in communities already weakened by poverty. In fact, the Red Cross estimates that up to 97% of all deaths caused by disasters occur in developing countries. Around the world, poor communities lack the infrastructure, planning, and resources to handle the devastation that disasters can bring. “Poverty plays a major part in keeping people vulnerable to disasters. Disasters in turn keep people in poverty, wiping out the few resources they have.” (Tearfund) Access to safe water is one of the main solutions needed to break this terrible cycle of destruction and death in impoverished communities. Without safe water, it is almost impossible to improve a community’s health, encourage economic productivity, or expand education, all basic components that affect a community’s preparedness for disaster. In the aftermath of the Asian Tsunami, quick distribution of safe water became a top priority for relief agencies. They knew that the survivors would become victims if not given an adequate supply of safe water to drink within 24 hours. Immediately, bottled water was distributed en masse along with water purification kits. This rapid response was critical in preventing a second tragedy due to water-related diseases. Currently, groups responding to the disaster are beginning to shift gears from relief efforts to development efforts throughout the region. As strategies change, access to safe water remains the top priority. In a few areas in Indonesia, safe, clean water is still flowing from properly drilled wells , despite the tsunami that destroyed everything for miles. These wells show that a properly maintained water source can sustain people during a disaster and help them recover more quickly afterward. Sustainable water sources will help lay the foundation for future community infrastructure and planning, with the hope of reducing the effects of potential disasters. Lifewater is committed to helping communities obtain the most foundational element of life: safe, clean water. Lifewater’s training programs strengthen communities, better preparing them for potential disasters and helping them to recover when they do occur. We are helping people move from asking the question of the present, “Where will I get my water today?” to thinking about future plans that will save lives. More Articles from the 2005 Spring Newsletter: Sharing the Amazon in Peru | Blessing the Nations From Home The Ugliness of Contaminated Water in Kenya | The Silent Tsunami