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Oxfam’s response to short-term needs: providing clean water
From the Tsunami
in Asia online resource
The area that Oxfam has the most knowledge and experience
in is providing clean water and basic toilet facilities to those
affected by disasters like the tsunami.
This is extremely important, as without clean drinking
water, soap and toilets the risk of people getting serious illnesses
is high (over 80% of disease in developing countries is caused by
dirty water).
Oxfam is currently working in all the areas worst
affected by the tsunami to provide what is needed to help prevent
this.
In one area of Sri Lanka alone Oxfam has already delivered
11 tonnes of special water and sanitation equipment, and has begun
to build large water tanks and toilets. Equipment used is often
very simple like buckets with lids and taps so that water can easily
be kept clean.
Water tanks
Water tanks are essential whenever large quantities
of water have to be stored and purified. A 70,000-litre tank can
provide 4,666 people with enough water for one day.
The Oxfam-designed water tank has become the standard
for use in emergencies. Constructed from corrugated iron with
a rubber lining, it can hold up to 95,000 litres of water.
Each tank is fully self-contained, easy to transport,
and strong enough to withstand harsh environments. The tanks are
designed to be quick and easy to assemble, and can be put together
on the spot by the local community, with guidance from Oxfam staff.
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