The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) said Monday that it has unveiled a 1.5 billion-Swiss franc (US$1.25 billion) long-term aid plan in countries affected by last December's tsunami.
  
The plan, outlining programs from 2005 to 2010, includes rebuilding or upgrading homes, hospitals and clinics, water and sanitation systems, providing psychosocial support and livelihood support to people, as well as training community-based volunteers and putting in place sustainable disaster preparedness measures, the IFRC said in a statement.
  
It also includes improving disaster management, logistics, replenishment of relief stocks and training in first aid and disaster response for Red Cross and Red Crescent volunteers, the Geneva-based organization added.
  
"We felt it was essential to draw up these plans as quickly as possible, so that we can help those in need appropriately both now and in the future, and to demonstrate how resources will be used to help those affected recover from the tsunami and rebuild their lives," said Johan Schaar, the IFRC's special tsunami representative.
  
"These long-term plans seek to put in place sustainable solutions that meet the real needs of the tsunami-affected communities in each country and will empower people to protect themselves in this very disaster-prone region," added Simon Missiri, head of the Asia Pacific Department of the agency.
  
According to official figures, the Dec. 26 tsunami left more than 176,400 people confirmed dead. Some 50,000 are still missing and millions more displaced have been made homeless and left without their livelihood.

(Xinhua News Agency May 10, 2005)