In the morning of December 26, 2004, the Indonesian island of Sumatra,  was hit by two inter-connected disasters - a powerful earthquake that struck the west coast of northern Sumatra, cracking and crumbling buildings, and tossing survivors into the open air - and a tsunami that followed. The demonic waves shattered the lives, the well-being, assets, mental peace and dreams of millions. Areas near to the epicentre in Indonesia, especially Aceh, were devastated by the earthquake and tsunami. Tragically, another earthquake struck this tsunami-battered in March 2005 rendering thousands more homeless. The economic loss resulting from the disaster amounted to US$ 4.5 billion; or 2.3% of Indonesia's GDP. Whilst estimates vary, between 90,000 and 125,000 new houses need to be built, and another 40,000 are in need of repair according to current figures by the Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Agency for Aceh and Nias, better known as BRR (Badan Rehabilitasi dan Rekonstruksi) and UNIMS (United Nations Information Management Service). [english] [bahasa]