The document summarizes the impact of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami and the recovery efforts that followed. It describes how over 200,000 people were killed as giant waves destroyed entire towns. It highlights the stories of survivors like Vinashathamby who lost children but survived by holding onto a tree, and how organizations rebuilt homes and schools. It discusses how support helped communities restart their lives and livelihoods through loans, job training, and disaster preparedness. Thanks to support, thousands of survivors now have safer homes, jobs, savings, and are better able to face future disasters.