The Tsunami impacted the northwestern coastline of Sumatra , especially in the Aceh province. Banda Aceh, the capital and largest city of Aceh, Indonesia, suffered severe casualties. Reports described three large waves that created water flows at high speeds travelling into the city. The structures and homes towards the sea were completely wiped out, while buildings closer to the river encountered severe flooding. Small islands just to the north of the capital city were severely damaged. Coastal villages were completely destroyed by the tsunami waves.

As a result, International Medical Relief, along with 30 other relief organizations, was selected by the Indonesian government to help aid in this tragedy. IMR clinics are composed of both our corps of international medical staff and local providers who partner shoulder-to-shoulder to help deliver sustainable healthcare elevating access to care for our patients. IMR was able to conduct eight medical clinics. During these medical mission trips, IMR provided much needed aid to the local health care system during the recovery period. IMR teams that included EMTs, nurses, doctors, dentists, and students who reached beyond borders in order to provide critical care to the most vulnerable communities impacted by the aftermath of this earthquake.

Our first responders medical team also provided community health classes, and conducted a children’s program engaging the youth in therapeutic activities designed in cooperation with children therapists specializing in trauma and loss.

International Medical Relief was privileged to participate in this enormous undertaking of caring for millions who were displaced. Our work in this region continues, and we have been able to support the building of a brand new hospital in Banda Aceh, ground zero of the Tsunami.