The tsunami relief effort was based on the recognition that out of disaster an opportunity can be created to rebuild, expand and improve upon services, correct imbalances and meet the needs of vulnerable groups. But in housing, this case study from Tamil Nadu shows that even three years after the disaster, a large proportion of the affected continue to live in temporary shelters. Apart from analysing the post-tsunami shelter and settlement strategy of Tamil Nadu government, this article also deals with the critical issues in the construction of permanent houses.
