Tsunami: Somalia's slow recovery

Close to the tip of the Horn of Africa in Somalia, a community is starting to recover from the tsunami of a year ago.

While the tsunami of 26 December 2005 did its worst damage in South-East Asia, the giant waves also travelled across the Indian Ocean to East Africa. Somalia, already one of the poorest and most war-torn countries of the region, was worst affected, with 289 people reported dead or missing.

The worst hit Somali community was on the peninsula of Hafun.

This community depends on fishing for lobster, shark and kingfish for export.

Some have small gardens in which they grow vegetables and cowpeas.

Livelihoods lost

When the tsunami struck it swept away boats, inundated plots and destroyed around 800 buildings.

Across Somalia a total of 600 boats were lost, depriving whole communities of a means of earning their living.

The first response came from the Western naval forces based in neighbouring Djibouti.

A German frigate, the Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, was sent to Hafun, and used its helicopter to airlift in some immediately needed supplies.

The United Nations and other relief agencies followed.

First food was delivered, and now longer terms needs are being addressed.

New town

A new town is under construction in Hafun - this time built 500 metres from the sea.

A covered market has been constructed, and a centre where women can meet.

Aid agencies have helped the fishing fleet get back in the water, with Action Aid so far providing around 40 boats.

New roads have been built and more help is promised for next year.

But Somalia has had no effective government since 1991, and until that can be rectified no amount of outside aid will really get its people back on their feet.