Millions of farmers and fisher folk in coastal areas have been affected by the tsunami tidal waves which swept the Southeast Asian region in late December. The livelihoods and economic basis of many coastal communities have been completely or partially destroyed. Rebuilding these livelihoods is one of the main challenges facing FAO and its partners once the initial phase of rescue and emergency relief is over.

FAO assessment teams together with other UN agencies and national governments are currently evaluating damages and rehabilitation needs in fisheries and agriculture in order to define appropriate interventions to help people to become self-sufficient again.

FAO's fisheries and agriculture experts as well as its emergency coordinators have been sent to all countries affected by the disaster.

An emergency coordination office is being established in Banda Aceh as well as a regional office within the premises of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in Bangkok.