January 7, 2005

Here is a recent update that Ananda Foundation received from the executive director of AWAKES (Awareness Knowledge Education Society) based in Tamil Nadu, India.

Greetings from AWAKES,

Dear Levani,

We hereby thank you and appreciate the gesture of
Ananda foundation that has stood in solidarity with
and taking efforts for the humanitarian aid to the
victims of Tsunami.

HOUSES:

As far as the eye can see the picture is the same.
Houses lay collapsed roofs were cast miles away. Daily-decomposed bodies continue to be unearthed from the destroyed villages. Even houses of bricks have been destroyed and left unsafe for habitation. Preliminary estimate shows at least one lakh houses have been washed away by the Tsunami waves. Villages have become ghost villages with broken empty houses and thousands of families abandoned their houses and living in camps that are being run by govt., Churches, Temples and NGO's. Very few wish to return to their villages because they are afraid the sea with a return with fury again.

COASTAL FISHERMEN COMMUNITY:

Fishermen stand on the shores now and stare at the sea. Fishing communities, which completely lost their working resources. Boats, mini boats, catamarans, nets, and engines every one is still traumata used to return to the water. Their boats lie smashed and in piece everywhere. Nets have been washed away.

SITUATION ON WATER AND SANITATION:

Most of the water resources are damaged. Whatever
sources left out are contaminated and are unfit for
human consumption. The potable water supply is not
enough. All the sanitary toilets have been villages
washed out also. The situation leads to defecation in
the open resulted in contamination of water and the
environment creating health hazards and diseases.

SITUATION IN THE RELIEF CAMPS:

Lack of clean water is emerging as one of the greatest
health hazards. Children become vulnerable to diarrheaand fever. Supplying potable drinking water to hundreds of women and children who are overcrowded in relief camps is crucial task, as piles of garbage's nearby have already polluted water sources. There are 200,000 people are around 150 relief camps in the affected areas. The toilets are urgently needed at relief camps. Only very few toilets where around 3,000 people living in the camp. Thanks to the God, epidemic does not break out, so far. Relief camps coming under increasing pressure, hygienic level are declining and children particularly are at greater risk than anybody else.

RELIEF AND REHABILITATION:

In this situation, relief activities are in full
swing. Army, Government machinery, NGO's, and
International organizations, all are involved with
relief operation. Almost every voluntary organizations
and group across the world is trying to help. WaterNet - a network of 28 NGO's already involved in the relief work and in construction of toilets. Our experienced hygiene educators helping the local people in hygiene promotion activities. Both govt. and private agencies have established various roles within the villages.But needs are still prevent and a lack of co-ordination among agencies involved in the process. While immediate support is crucial the crisis will not resolved as quickly as it was created. it is going to take months or years to really build the local infrastructure.

THE URGENT NEEDS:

1.Supply of potable water: Trucks to supply water, and storage tanks.

2.Sanitary products: soap, toothpaste, shampoo.

3. Food care: A FAMILY PACKAGE is appropriate. The package may contain, rice, dal, salt, sambar powder, tamarind, masala, sugar, tea, and uncooked food-Biscuits, etc.

4.Kitchen utensils: kerosene stove, pots, ladles,
plates, and cups.

5. Bedding materials: Blankets and sleeping mats, bed sheets

6.Clothes: T' shirts, lungies, Blouses-only new clothes (not the used one as used clothes sent by various agencies laying in the road side as people and govt. will not accept.)

7. Recreational kits for children: Comfort kits, and coloring books.

SUGGEDSTED AREAS TO BE FOCUSED ON IN LONG-TERM REHABILITATION

1.COUNSELING

2. Counseling for traumatized victims: WaterNet plans to train bare foot counselors of ordinary village people
to do this through qualified psychiatrists.

3. Care and support to the children of Tsunami victims: and focus on education - distribution schoolbooks school bags and stationary materials.

4. Focus on water and sanitation: - permanent water
supplies may be considered in long term along with
sanitary construction of toilets.

5. Re-building: the villages providing working
equipment's to the fishermen such as boats, nets,
engines, etc.

6. Housing. Temporary shelter and later build up
permanent houses for the victims of the tragedy with
involvement of local People.

7. The Environment: Planting specific agricultural trees which absorb large waves (Mangroves which protected the pichavaram area from the Tsunami waves)

There are several institutions through which Ananda Foundation could help the victims of the Tsunami wave:

1.'The chief ministers public relief fund - chennai 5'
2.The prime ministers fund'
3. International Agencies'
4. Local NGO's
5. WaterNet

If you need exact addresses of above-mentioned
agencies I shall be happy to provide you the details.
As soon as I collect latest information on rescue
operation and rehabilitation work, from the member
NGO's who are working in the coastal areas I shall
share with you. Please contact if you need any other
information

Kind regards.

Yours sincerely

G.KALAI SELVAN- AWAKES

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