On December 26, 2004 a massive earthquake shook the bottom of the Indian Ocean. Measuring 9.0 on the Richter Scale, it was the largest in over 40 years and it generated powerful seismic waves - better known as "tsunamis" - that reached the shores of at least 10 countries as far apart as Thailand and Somalia. The result was the worst natural disaster in recorded history, killing around 300,000 people and leaving millions homeless.

Sri Lanka was the second hardest hit country with 30,000 dead and over a million people affected. Sadly many of those who died were children. However thousands more are left without one or both of their parents. Some have lost their entire families.

Stories of horror and survival

The Canaan Mission Centre in Kalmunai was completely flattened by the waves. Miraculously, the Pastor and two sisters escaped with their lives. <Read more>

What has been done

• Distributed emergency supplies in affected areas. City Harvest Church in Singapore were the first to lend a hand in the tsunami outreach programme. The City Harvest Community Services sent 3 containers of dry rations, medications, clothing, milk food, sleeping bags, tents, etc.
• Sponsored a medical clinic in Batticaloa.
• Refugees were put up at our Batticaloa Centre for over one month.

What is planned for the future

We plan to put up 4 orphanages based on the model of Canaan Children's Home. Construction at Badulla has already been started in faith. <Read more>