Tsunami survivors marry in Sri Lanka
Just over a year after escaping the devastating tsunami which killed more than 200,000 people, a Bridlington couple have returned to Sri Lanka to get married. And Sarah and Michael Josefsen said the local people whose lives were ruined by the disaster pulled out all the stops to make sure their big day was perfect. It was a difficult decision to go back to the scene of the tragedy but the couple said they had no regrets. Bridlington Today, 31st March 2006

Half of tsunami donations spent
Almost half the money pledged by Australians to victims of the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami has been spent by aid agencies, but 89,000 people are still living in substandard housing more than a year after the disaster. The Australian Council for International Development, representing large aid agencies, released an update yesterday on how much of the $345 million has been spent, and where. SMH, 31st March 2006

Sumatra quake could be set to rumble again: study
The fault that caused the devastating earthquake in Indonesia in December 2004 and the destructive tsunami that followed could still cause some big ruptures, U.S. researchers said on Thursday. Reuters, 30th March 2006

New life after the tsunami in Aceh
When the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami devastated the village of Pucok Leung in Aceh, Indonesia, life drastically changed for four year old Khairunisa and her family. Like many in her village Khairunisa's family are living in temporary accommodation supplied by the Indonesian Government. Life in these shelters is not ideal, but with the support of Caritas and their partners, the reconstruction of permanent shelters has begun. Caritas

Tsunami: Bringing forth a new wave of hope
"I don't want to seem uncaring, or just downright impervious to feeling, but as horrific as the recent tsunami onslaught was, I think and feel that the waves also brought along with them, a huge surge of rejuvenation, "life", and a heightened awareness and compassion by humankind. I think we have been awoken to just how much death and suffering there is in the world, regardless of what we see and don't see on major news programs. My experience is that every horrible occurrence holds the seeds for new hope and life.... Who will be responsible for making the world a better place, after the tsunami? In some fundamental way, I hope that the faith and understanding of each person left unscathed "personally" from this disaster, has been shaken. That due to Nature's massive housecleaning, we will all find new ways to rebuild and embrace the sanctity of life, as well as embracing the hearts and aspirations of those we deem to be our enemies. That due to this primordial shift in what we know to be Planet Earth, we will all have an equally primordial shift in our concern for and connection to, the heart of God, and the living Spirit of all Life." Charlie Badenhop

The tsunami one year later
Early in the morning of 26 th December 2004 the world's worst earthquake in 40 years occurred in the Indian Ocean, triggering a series of devastating tsunamis which affected our neighbours across Asia and Africa. In response to the tsunami, Caritas Australia launched an appeal to offer support and solidarity to those affected by the disaster. The Australian community responded with incredible generosity, donating over $20 million dollars. To commemorate the twelve month anniversary Caritas Australia created a special website outlining the relief and reconstruction work undertaken by Caritas Australia and Caritas International. www.caritas.org.au/tsunami/

As it happened - behind the killing fields
Thirty years after Cambodia suffered under the despotic regime lead by Pol Pot, this film reveals the chilling story of Pol Pot, through the words of those who helped him carry out the genocide of more than two million Cambodians. A quarter of Cambodia's population died in less than four years under the Khmer Rouge regime, which used hunger and terror to control every aspect of the population's lives.

SBS, Saturday 8th April 2006, 7:30 pm

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"When the tsunami hit Indonesia, India, Sri Lanka and Thailand on Boxing Day, it left our world in shock and fear. It killed hundreds of thousands and left those who survived deeply traumatised. The enormous task of rebuilding the physical and emotional lives of these people will continue for years to come. Many continue to struggle with the unanswered questions surrounding such suffering. We are reminded that Jesus' death led to the resurrection - the great mystery that paves the way for: new life to emerge from suffering and death, good to triumph over evil and justice to conquer injustice! As we recall and celebrate this salvation event in our human story, we too are called to be life for others through a daily emptying of ourselves. Caritas Australia's Project Compassion invites you to give generously to those who are suffering in our world." - Theresa Taylor