2006–2010

2008

Flooding and severe weather in the U.S.

In 2008, floods, tornadoes and severe storms caused considerable damage to communities in the Midwest. Habitat engaged in a wide variety of local efforts to aid these disaster-affected communities, with a key focus on Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where more than 5,000 homes were flooded, and almost 20,000 residents were displaced. Twenty-home blitz builds were organized by Habitat in June 2009 and 2010 to help restore some of the affordable housing lost in Cedar Rapids.

China earthquake

On May 12, 2008, an earthquake measuring 7.9 on the Richter scale struck Wenchuan County in China’s densely populated Sichuan Province, killing more than 50,000 people and injuring more than 300,000. Other affected areas include Beichuan County, Deyang city, Mianyang city and Dujiangyan city. With support from donors, partners, volunteers and local government officials, Habitat for Humanity China worked on six housing projects designed for about 1,000 families.

Cyclone Nargis in Myanmar

Cyclone Nargis, a Category 3 storm, hit Myanmar (Burma) on May 2, 2008. High winds, heavy rain and flood waters affected more than 2 million people, killing an estimated 145,000, injuring 56,000 more and displacing 500,000 people from their homes. Habitat for Humanity became one of World Concern’s partners in a phased program to facilitate early recovery and restore access to food, water, shelter, livelihoods, income and healthcare, serving an estimated 7,000 families, or about 26,000 people in 52 villages.

Flooding in Indiana, USA

In January 2008, flooding from the Tippecanoe and Wabash Rivers destroyed at least 180 homes and damaged 700 homes in Indiana. Another onslaught of warm weather and excessive rain led to more flooding in the same region in February. Habitat for Humanity of Lafayette played an instrumental role in aiding long-term recovery efforts in an eight-county region in northwest Indiana. The affiliate also joined other organizations to form Disaster Assistance for Northwest Indiana―a coalition committed to restoring affected households in the area to “pre-flood wholeness.”

2007

Cyclone Sidr in Bangladesh

Tropical Cyclone Sidr slammed into Bangladesh’s south coast on Nov. 15, 2007, packing winds of up to 140 miles per hour and tidal waves that swept away homes, crops and livestock. The cyclone, the worst to hit Bangladesh since the 1991 cyclonic disaster, claimed the lives of more than 3,000 people and affected more than 8 million total. The cyclone’s effect extended more than 1,700 areas, causing massive damage to houses, buildings, roads and other infrastructure.

In response, Habitat Bangladesh assisted families affected through capacity building efforts, construction of 480 transitional shelters with proper sanitation using contributions from UNICEF Bangladesh and Habitat Great Britain.

Hurricane Felix in Nicaragua

On Sept. 4, 2007, Hurricane Felix, a Category 5 storm, struck the Atlantic coast of Nicaragua, affecting more than 300 urban and rural communities and at least 33,000 families who were already among some of the poorest in Nicaragua. Housing, water and sanitation systems; access roads; schools; health centers; and places of worship were all damaged by the hurricane. Impact on crops, the area’s small-scale fishing industry and the environment was disastrous. Habitat for Humanity Nicaragua, in collaboration with partners, devised a participatory methodology to design and build new homes that integrate mitigation elements while respecting local culture and customs of the indigenous Miskito population.

Habitat built houses for the 150 indigenous Miskito families living in the small remote community of Auhya Pihni. 

Earthquake in Indonesia

In March 2007, a powerful earthquake hit the Indonesian island of Sumatra, flattening hundreds of buildings and killing more than 70 people. In the aftermath of the earthquake, Habitat Yogyakarta volunteers and staff cleared debris and helped other organizations distribute emergency supplies to the community.

Immediately after, Habitat began the long task of rebuilding. Through Reaching out Architect―a three-month apprentice program for architectural or civil engineering students―Habitat was able to tap more than 40 local university students to assist Habitat field staff in consulting communities about rebuilding.

Several months after the earthquake, Habitat Yogyakarta also rebuilt 60 houses for people injured by the earthquake―building core houses that could be enlarged at a later date. The affiliate completed the rebuilding program in mid-2007, exceeding its original target by helping more than 1,000 families rebuild their homes and lives.

2006

Seismic swarm in El Salvador

In December 2006, more than 1,000 tremors impacted western El Salvador, damaging or destroying approximately 3,700 homes. Habitat for Humanity repaired or rebuilt homes for more than 200 families devastated by this disaster.

Complex humanitarian emergency in Lebanon

The July War of 2006 in Lebanon destroyed vital infrastructure and leveled buildings throughout the country. Nearly 1 million people were displaced internally during the war. The government of Lebanon estimated that nearly 100,000 homes were damaged during the conflict, while more than 11,000 homes were completely destroyed.

Habitat’s response focused on accelerating, monitoring and funding the repair and reconstruction of homes impacted by the fighting. In total, the program benefited nearly 900 households and injected more than US1 million into the local economy.

Floods in Romania

The floods along the Danube River in 2006 were among the most devastating in 100 years. Habitat for Humanity International and UNICEF-Romania funded an intervention project in the Danube shore villages of Bechet, Macesu de Jos and Carna. The program, which ended in June 2007, was successful in assisting nearly 200 needy families whose homes were either completely destroyed or had structural problems.