Shobha Warrier in Nagapattinam January 24, 2005 15:45 ISTLast Updated: January 24, 2005 16:17 IST
When I entered one of the rows of temporary shelters built for tsunami victims in Pattancherry village in Nagapattinam, I witnessed a minor scuffle in a corner.
Some inmates had surrounded a Christian priest and two nuns, and a war of words was going on.
"We are Hindus and we want to live as Hindus. Why do you want to convert us?" some young men shouted at the missionaries.
The priest said, "We are not here to convert people. We were only offering prayers for your peace of mind."
But flashing some pamphlets distributed among them by the three, the inmates snorted, "What does this mean?"
The priest had no answer.
"Why do you enter our houses and pray?," they asked. "Your nuns do this when our women are alone at home. We know how to pray."
The young men were extremely furious. The priest was unruffled. But the nuns were shaken by the sudden surge of animosity from the muscular men.
The scuffle went on till the three were forced to leave the place.
Day two:
As I was visiting the areas close to the sea that were badly affected by the tsunami waves, I saw another angry scene outside another temple in another village.
Police jeeps were seen parked outside the temple in Samandapettai. So was a van.
Villagers were complaining to the police about a missionary group to which the van belonged.
They said the group had taken away to another place their belongings and the relief they had got from nongovernmental organisations and the government, which they had kept inside the temple, because they refused to listen to its missionaries.
"They want to try their luck at some other place. Since we resisted, they took away our things. We won't allow this to happen," they said. "Why don't you arrest all of them?" the villagers asked the police.
The villagers' torrent of angry words continued. "We have lost everything to the sea. They said they would help us if we followed their religion. What logic is this? Are they here to help us or change our religion?" The police couldn't cool their tempers.
The group said it did not take away the belongings of the villagers and insisted that the contents inside the van belonged to it.
That evening, some villagers came with the news that the police had arrested the priest they had confronted the previous day. Apparently some angry villagers had gheraoed him, and forced the police to arrest him.
"He shouldn't be doing this when we are grieving, when we are suffering. Everything has its time and place," a villager said.
When I wanted to talk to the panchayat president and locals of the Karakkalmedu village at Karaikkal, they called me inside the village temple. That was where they met outsiders. The temple has become the centre of activity in the village.
Before we started talking, one of them opened the door to the sanctum sanctorum and pointed to a mark left by the strong tsunami waves. They told me that water stopped at the feet of their deity and then receded. "We might have suffered, but our Goddess saved us."
This belief had taken the villagers all the more closer to their deity.
"That is why it hurts us when others come and tell us that it was because of our God and our belief that we suffered. We won't let anyone exploit us when we are down," the panchayat members asserted.
Monday, January 31, 2005
From tent to shoeboxes
Fisherfolk in many villages refuse to move into shoddy temporary structures
By Max MartinKancheepuram:
It has all the trappings of something that has had an auspicious beginning – ribbons studded with penants and mango leaves, melons smeared with saffron, and bunches of bananas. But beyond the decoration and the inaugural plaque, this colony of 45 shoebox-like black boxes remains uninhabited. Not a single soul.Fishermen in several villages along the coast of Kancheepuram have refused to shift into the windowless light-roof cubicles – of roughly 120 square feet – that the government has built for them as temporary shelters.Bang beside the East Coast Road, at Patipulam, about 20 minutes drive away from the famous Mammalapuram shore temple, huge banners welcomed ministers and the local member of the state legislative assembly to the inaugural of the temporary shelters on January 14, the day of the harvest festival Pongal.After the inaugural show, over the weekend, the shelters remained absolutely empty. Similarly, villagers in several villages in the area have refused to move into these shacks and preferred to stay on in tents and hutments along the coast.“They are hot and they stink,” said Thasappa Sekar of Selavanakuppam in Kancheepuram, who refused to move into a light-roof structure. Besides the style of the hutment, he and his neighbours found the new location offered to them across the road inconvenient.An inspection of the sheds confirmed the fisherfolk’s reservations. The corrugated cardboard coated with tar - and brown primer paint in some instances - give a peculiar smell and the structures do not have any well-deifined ventilation – exept the door and sometimes a narrow gap under the roof shoddily built up over a wooden frame.The walls can be torn away easily.In Puthu Edayur village in Kancheepuram, the temporary shelters are located on a low, wet ground, where water would come out if one presses the ground hard enough with foot. “Years ago we came here to rescue villagers trapped in a flood here,” recalled Thasappa Sekar, fisherman.In most cases villagers have not choice.At Elanthope village along the same highway, B Muragan (60) lives in a tent supplied by a charty that came soon after the tsunami. Most of his village has been washed away and the government is all set to shift the people to a set of shoeboxes. “It is only for a while, I hope,” said Murugan.Eager to meet evacuating relief camps by before the Pongal— harvest festival –government herded thousands of people into temporary shelters – made of tin sheets, light roof and other such material.State governments has also been pushing tin sheets supplied from Gujrarat, reportedly rejected leftover from the Kutch cyclone rehabilitation efforts, fishermen said.Fishermen said that besides becoming virtual ovens these shelters could be health hazards as winds could blow away these roofs and cause injury. Aid workers said that such injuries were recorded in Bangladesh during cyclones, when tin sheets and steel pipes that held them together became missiles.The Indian Express reported that the issue of rehabilitating fishermen in temporary shelters was discussed between senior officials and NGOs. S Jaibal, head of Nagapattinam Fishermen’s Union said that the government had agreed to provide shelters with roofs made of lightwood or artificial pulp material.‘‘Thatched roofs were suggested but were struck down because of fire hazards,” Jaibal told The Indian Express. “Senior officers who were present in the meeting had assured us that the roofs would be of lightwood. But they have suddenly changed their decision. It is not acceptable.’’A Government Resolution issued on January 6 through the Revenue Department, said: ‘‘The Collectors are given specific instructions that the design of the temporary structures and the location is acceptable to the fishermen in each habitation. It should not be seen as a government plan to forcibly relocate them though many have expressed the desire to relocate.’’But what happens on ground is a clear violation of this directive
By Max MartinKancheepuram:
It has all the trappings of something that has had an auspicious beginning – ribbons studded with penants and mango leaves, melons smeared with saffron, and bunches of bananas. But beyond the decoration and the inaugural plaque, this colony of 45 shoebox-like black boxes remains uninhabited. Not a single soul.Fishermen in several villages along the coast of Kancheepuram have refused to shift into the windowless light-roof cubicles – of roughly 120 square feet – that the government has built for them as temporary shelters.Bang beside the East Coast Road, at Patipulam, about 20 minutes drive away from the famous Mammalapuram shore temple, huge banners welcomed ministers and the local member of the state legislative assembly to the inaugural of the temporary shelters on January 14, the day of the harvest festival Pongal.After the inaugural show, over the weekend, the shelters remained absolutely empty. Similarly, villagers in several villages in the area have refused to move into these shacks and preferred to stay on in tents and hutments along the coast.“They are hot and they stink,” said Thasappa Sekar of Selavanakuppam in Kancheepuram, who refused to move into a light-roof structure. Besides the style of the hutment, he and his neighbours found the new location offered to them across the road inconvenient.An inspection of the sheds confirmed the fisherfolk’s reservations. The corrugated cardboard coated with tar - and brown primer paint in some instances - give a peculiar smell and the structures do not have any well-deifined ventilation – exept the door and sometimes a narrow gap under the roof shoddily built up over a wooden frame.The walls can be torn away easily.In Puthu Edayur village in Kancheepuram, the temporary shelters are located on a low, wet ground, where water would come out if one presses the ground hard enough with foot. “Years ago we came here to rescue villagers trapped in a flood here,” recalled Thasappa Sekar, fisherman.In most cases villagers have not choice.At Elanthope village along the same highway, B Muragan (60) lives in a tent supplied by a charty that came soon after the tsunami. Most of his village has been washed away and the government is all set to shift the people to a set of shoeboxes. “It is only for a while, I hope,” said Murugan.Eager to meet evacuating relief camps by before the Pongal— harvest festival –government herded thousands of people into temporary shelters – made of tin sheets, light roof and other such material.State governments has also been pushing tin sheets supplied from Gujrarat, reportedly rejected leftover from the Kutch cyclone rehabilitation efforts, fishermen said.Fishermen said that besides becoming virtual ovens these shelters could be health hazards as winds could blow away these roofs and cause injury. Aid workers said that such injuries were recorded in Bangladesh during cyclones, when tin sheets and steel pipes that held them together became missiles.The Indian Express reported that the issue of rehabilitating fishermen in temporary shelters was discussed between senior officials and NGOs. S Jaibal, head of Nagapattinam Fishermen’s Union said that the government had agreed to provide shelters with roofs made of lightwood or artificial pulp material.‘‘Thatched roofs were suggested but were struck down because of fire hazards,” Jaibal told The Indian Express. “Senior officers who were present in the meeting had assured us that the roofs would be of lightwood. But they have suddenly changed their decision. It is not acceptable.’’A Government Resolution issued on January 6 through the Revenue Department, said: ‘‘The Collectors are given specific instructions that the design of the temporary structures and the location is acceptable to the fishermen in each habitation. It should not be seen as a government plan to forcibly relocate them though many have expressed the desire to relocate.’’But what happens on ground is a clear violation of this directive
Next step for rehabilitation of Tsunami affected
The Board members of the RC of Chennai Kilpauk met to decide the next step of action that will be taken to help those afected by the Tsunami.
The Club has received requests from the collector (Govt. Bureaucrats, Indian Administrative Service) of Cuddalore asking our help in setting up play equipment for schools. The Board agreed to sponsor play equipment for 3 schools. Two schools which would receive play equipment would be in the Khillai area where we distributed our family building kits on the 7th of January 2005. We are told that though schools have re opened many children are not going back for a variety fo reasons, no books, bags and stationery seem to be the most prevalent and also the trauma they have gone through is showing up.
A letter received from the village where we installed TV Ross was read out. The village has jointly written a very moving letter. They say that while they are affected by the Tsunami as much as any other village and they have lost all their boats and nets and most of their houses have been damaged, they are still not getting enough attention and help because there has been no loss of life in their village. They are scared that they will be left to fend for themselves without any help. The Club has given the residents of this village a 29 inch TV, radios, play things for the children and rice. The Club has also installed a water treatment plant in this village. The men are willing to form a co operative and repay all monies that can be advanced to help them start afresh.
It was decided that on the 19th, when our visitors from Strathcona Sunrise and Rtn. Tim Johnson from Oregon come in we will take them and show them the damage caused by the Tsunami and will visit this village which has sought help. We will also distribute on the 19th relief material to another village.
A small committee has been formed to go nto the merits of all suggestions and to hold discussions with Govt. agencies to find out what we can do to rehabilitate.
The Club has received requests from the collector (Govt. Bureaucrats, Indian Administrative Service) of Cuddalore asking our help in setting up play equipment for schools. The Board agreed to sponsor play equipment for 3 schools. Two schools which would receive play equipment would be in the Khillai area where we distributed our family building kits on the 7th of January 2005. We are told that though schools have re opened many children are not going back for a variety fo reasons, no books, bags and stationery seem to be the most prevalent and also the trauma they have gone through is showing up.
A letter received from the village where we installed TV Ross was read out. The village has jointly written a very moving letter. They say that while they are affected by the Tsunami as much as any other village and they have lost all their boats and nets and most of their houses have been damaged, they are still not getting enough attention and help because there has been no loss of life in their village. They are scared that they will be left to fend for themselves without any help. The Club has given the residents of this village a 29 inch TV, radios, play things for the children and rice. The Club has also installed a water treatment plant in this village. The men are willing to form a co operative and repay all monies that can be advanced to help them start afresh.
It was decided that on the 19th, when our visitors from Strathcona Sunrise and Rtn. Tim Johnson from Oregon come in we will take them and show them the damage caused by the Tsunami and will visit this village which has sought help. We will also distribute on the 19th relief material to another village.
A small committee has been formed to go nto the merits of all suggestions and to hold discussions with Govt. agencies to find out what we can do to rehabilitate.
Friday, January 28, 2005
Laying down plans
We seem to be making so many plans, yes, the earlier plans were for provision of emergency relief and now plans are being made for serious rehabilitation. The devastation has been of such magnitude in the State of Tamilnadu that over 168,000 families have been completely displaced and many more thousands have lost most of their property.
In a matter of 15 minutes so much was lost on the day after Christmas last year. While the images of the damages left behind by the Tsunami fade form the minds of most people, we need to keep them afresh so we do not forget the people who continue to suffer.
A small team will be formed this evening toexamine the various proposals and then decide the further course of action. The club will keep in mind the following:
1. The need of the people
2. Government help
3. Feasibility
4. Sustainability
5. Funding
There will be more news about our plans on this blog in the days to come.
In a matter of 15 minutes so much was lost on the day after Christmas last year. While the images of the damages left behind by the Tsunami fade form the minds of most people, we need to keep them afresh so we do not forget the people who continue to suffer.
A small team will be formed this evening toexamine the various proposals and then decide the further course of action. The club will keep in mind the following:
1. The need of the people
2. Government help
3. Feasibility
4. Sustainability
5. Funding
There will be more news about our plans on this blog in the days to come.
RC of Chennai Kilpauk is getting ready to welcome visitors
We will have four visitors who are coming into Chennai. The visitors are Peggy and Kel Carswell who will spend a few days with us. They are accompanied by their photographer Sarah. They are on their way to Assam to help farmers reduce their dependancy on chemical fertlizers and hybrid seeds. Peggy and Kel have helped the RC of Strathcona Sunrise raise funds for our Tsunami relief too. Durng their stay we hope to show them what we have done to provide relief to the Tsunami affected people and our future plans in this regard.
Peggy and Kel will also review the Helping Hands project which is a WCS project wth Strathcona Sunrise for the benefit of the disabled.
Also coming in on the same days will be Tim Johnson of the Medford Rogue Rotary, who is already in Sri Lanka and he will be coming into Chennai on the morning of 19th February 2005. The same evening Peggy and Kel will come in at 10 PM.
Peggy and Kel will also review the Helping Hands project which is a WCS project wth Strathcona Sunrise for the benefit of the disabled.
Also coming in on the same days will be Tim Johnson of the Medford Rogue Rotary, who is already in Sri Lanka and he will be coming into Chennai on the morning of 19th February 2005. The same evening Peggy and Kel will come in at 10 PM.
Wednesday, January 26, 2005
RCCK leads the schools to smiles programme for the District
On the day of his installation Pres. Karthik announced the completion of the renovation of Mepur school buildings under the schools to smiles programme of the District. Ours was the first club to complete the project.
“Targeting Today; the stars of tomorrow.” District Governor Benjamin thought that the best Centennial Gift to the society will be presenting the underprivileged children with renovated schools. This does not stop with just renovation but will be the first step taken by Rotary to stay with these schools at every step taken by them. Literacy being the prime need of the hour by the nation, this small step taken will surely inspire Rotarians globally to conceive in a similar angle and thus the day will dawn, which seems not too far when every school and every student will be blessed with smiles. The long term focus is on qualitative improvement of faculty, teaching methods and learning parameters. This project’s outcome will be an increase in enrolment of students and thus an increase in literacy level.“RI District 3230 Rotary Centenary Charitable Trust” has been established for the efficient management of funds in this project. For the first time in the history of Rotary, a MoU has been signed by District 3230 with Round Table India. This trust along with the Round Table will provide financial assistance to the needy clubs. Price water house & Co. the internationally acclaimed firm of auditors will be managing the funds of this project. Many large hearted Rotarians of District 3230 have contributed to the Trust. Deeply impressed by the whole concept many corporate donors like TTK LIG, IOB, etc have volunteered contributions and Corporates have provided building materials at concessional rates. Many Philanthropic individuals and Corporates have expressed their desire to join this noble cause.
The Clubs that have taken the lead in Dedication of renovated schools:
A. RC Chennai Kilpauk was the first club to bestow a school with smiles.
B. RC Annanagar
C. RC Nanganallur
D. RC Madras Pallava
This step taken today may someday see the destruction of the world’s worst social evil- illiteracy.
“Targeting Today; the stars of tomorrow.” District Governor Benjamin thought that the best Centennial Gift to the society will be presenting the underprivileged children with renovated schools. This does not stop with just renovation but will be the first step taken by Rotary to stay with these schools at every step taken by them. Literacy being the prime need of the hour by the nation, this small step taken will surely inspire Rotarians globally to conceive in a similar angle and thus the day will dawn, which seems not too far when every school and every student will be blessed with smiles. The long term focus is on qualitative improvement of faculty, teaching methods and learning parameters. This project’s outcome will be an increase in enrolment of students and thus an increase in literacy level.“RI District 3230 Rotary Centenary Charitable Trust” has been established for the efficient management of funds in this project. For the first time in the history of Rotary, a MoU has been signed by District 3230 with Round Table India. This trust along with the Round Table will provide financial assistance to the needy clubs. Price water house & Co. the internationally acclaimed firm of auditors will be managing the funds of this project. Many large hearted Rotarians of District 3230 have contributed to the Trust. Deeply impressed by the whole concept many corporate donors like TTK LIG, IOB, etc have volunteered contributions and Corporates have provided building materials at concessional rates. Many Philanthropic individuals and Corporates have expressed their desire to join this noble cause.
The Clubs that have taken the lead in Dedication of renovated schools:
A. RC Chennai Kilpauk was the first club to bestow a school with smiles.
B. RC Annanagar
C. RC Nanganallur
D. RC Madras Pallava
This step taken today may someday see the destruction of the world’s worst social evil- illiteracy.
Monday, January 24, 2005
Rtn Mohan Roy not only is he dedicated but he walks the talk, never fails the club when his services are expected, he never thnks twice and always manages to raise funds for the Club in tmes of need. Mohan is in the leather garment export business and reaches out to his customers and other contact worldwide, since he is what he is no one says "No" to him.
Sunday, January 23, 2005
The shelter boxes installed near Madras. I am informed that these tents were not easy to live in. There was not enough ventilation and the tents I am told are made of insulated material and therefore the heat trapped inside was not getting out. I dont know what these people would do in summer when the teparature reaches 40 degrees centigrade, and this is a few months form now.
Mudaliarkuppam and other villages
Members of the Rotary Club of Chennai Kilpauk left at 7:30 in the morning to Mudaliarkuppam, Nijamkuppam and another village close these two to distribute ricce and aother essentials and play equipment and TVs to these villages.
The rice was purchased and packed close to the location so as to save money in transporting, the TVs and the play things were purchased in Chennai and
taken in a small van to these villages.
In the first village, Mudlaiarkuppam, we found great devsatation caused by the Tsunami, that part of the village close to the sea was washed away there was almost nothing left. I found a fibregass boat which was picked up form the shore and then impaled onto a coconut tree. There was yet another boat which was carried inland about 300 metres ad left on top of a house. In this area of the village almost everything in the houses where washed away and
the village was deserted. I am getting used to ghost villages and towns. The people who were living here are too scared to come back.
The Government had set up a relief camp specially for the children totaling about 150.
I saw a group of young adults who had managed to salvage a bat and who had started playing cricket, I batted a few balls and found they were quite good at the game. I walked back to the van and came back carryng a cricket kit which had enough equipment for a team. The kit was given away by our Pres. Karthik to a group of young adults who were overjoyed with what they were getting. They could not believe their eyes and was not sur whether we really
meant it, giving away the kit to them. We reassured them, left the kit with them and walked away from sounds of celebration.
A part of the rice was given away at this village. Arrangements had already been made for the TV to be installed and once the TV was set up we gave away the remote, warranty card and the TV to the vilage headman. Children had already gathered around the TV not believing their fortune and what was happening to them, we not only give rice to the parents but here were a bunch of people actually giving their village a TV, here was a chance to get back to watching TV. And who would think that a TV was important ot them. Rotary did and here we were bringing smiles and happiness back into their lives.
We then walked into the children's relief camp and started distributing the criket bats and tennis balls, skipping ropes, tennikoit rings, carrom boards and footballs to the children. First there was disbelief, this was too good to be true, first a TV for the village and now cricket bats, balls......
Then suddenly the kids became unruly because they were sure that we could not give something for everyone, we sensed the starting for trouble and had to ask the van driver to remove the van and move out of the village. The children ran after the van hoping they would get what their friends got. Pres. Karthik when handing over the TVs made a special mention of the aid we got from the Rotary Clubs abroad and specially the Rotary Clubs of
Strathcona Sunrise, Escondido Sunrise and Mentor Ohio.
The TV given here was named Rtn. McCullugh TV, I odn't know of these people would remember Art's name after we left but for the few minutes we were there they would and they would think about some men in a foreign land who were generous and sent money so a TV and play things could be given to them. The TV in the next village was tn. Ross TV and in the third village it was Rtn. Grose TV.
We went over to the next village and saw destruction but thankfully in this village though they lived on the sea no lives were lost. This was a smaller village and peple were more disciplined, the TV was handed over to the villae headman and this village also got 20 transistors (radios). All materials were handed over to the headman who would ensure they were distrubuted in an equitable manner. Most people who go with relief material go with the belief that the village headman would usurp most of the things and very little would reach the people, but in our experience we found that when we tried to give the materials drectly there was only chaos and the strong ones trying to take away more than their share. We always work with the locals who know the people, who has what and in most cases we have never had a problem.
There was a borewell that had bene drilled and a pump had been installed recently, we freshened ourselves here and moved on.
Food nor drink was on our mind, the only thought was to reach out and make these people happy. the next village was closeby and had faced severe damage to property and loss of lives. The tn. Grose TV was installed in this village. We said that the radios must be given to the old people. An old lady came and thanked us saying that she had not listened to music since the Tsunami stuck and that today the entire village would be istenig to music form the 30
radios that were handed out. The kids had already started planning on what to watch on the TV in the evening. Cricket teams had been formed and the laughing and smiling children were getting ready for the happiest Sunday after the Tsunami.
We left the village and started driving towards Chennai, happy and in the comfort that there were people who would stand by us in this hour of need. People who would spread happiness from a distant land, people who would reach out to these people, to make them happy to show them that people cared and wanted to help them.
We had just received news that the Medford Rotary Club would be sending in happiness soon and that a member of their Club would be visiting us in the third week of February. We had received funds form non Rotarians as well, from Botswana, Netherlands and other countries.
In most villages the emergency relief work is over and people are preaing to get back to normal life as fast as they can, but when you have nothing in hand then you have nothing in your head too, it is difficukt to think how to move forward, with nothing or little hope and it is here that Rotary Clubs step in, because we can stand, plan, persevere and help people back on their feet. Thanks heavens Rotary is here.
The rice was purchased and packed close to the location so as to save money in transporting, the TVs and the play things were purchased in Chennai and
taken in a small van to these villages.
In the first village, Mudlaiarkuppam, we found great devsatation caused by the Tsunami, that part of the village close to the sea was washed away there was almost nothing left. I found a fibregass boat which was picked up form the shore and then impaled onto a coconut tree. There was yet another boat which was carried inland about 300 metres ad left on top of a house. In this area of the village almost everything in the houses where washed away and
the village was deserted. I am getting used to ghost villages and towns. The people who were living here are too scared to come back.
The Government had set up a relief camp specially for the children totaling about 150.
I saw a group of young adults who had managed to salvage a bat and who had started playing cricket, I batted a few balls and found they were quite good at the game. I walked back to the van and came back carryng a cricket kit which had enough equipment for a team. The kit was given away by our Pres. Karthik to a group of young adults who were overjoyed with what they were getting. They could not believe their eyes and was not sur whether we really
meant it, giving away the kit to them. We reassured them, left the kit with them and walked away from sounds of celebration.
A part of the rice was given away at this village. Arrangements had already been made for the TV to be installed and once the TV was set up we gave away the remote, warranty card and the TV to the vilage headman. Children had already gathered around the TV not believing their fortune and what was happening to them, we not only give rice to the parents but here were a bunch of people actually giving their village a TV, here was a chance to get back to watching TV. And who would think that a TV was important ot them. Rotary did and here we were bringing smiles and happiness back into their lives.
We then walked into the children's relief camp and started distributing the criket bats and tennis balls, skipping ropes, tennikoit rings, carrom boards and footballs to the children. First there was disbelief, this was too good to be true, first a TV for the village and now cricket bats, balls......
Then suddenly the kids became unruly because they were sure that we could not give something for everyone, we sensed the starting for trouble and had to ask the van driver to remove the van and move out of the village. The children ran after the van hoping they would get what their friends got. Pres. Karthik when handing over the TVs made a special mention of the aid we got from the Rotary Clubs abroad and specially the Rotary Clubs of
Strathcona Sunrise, Escondido Sunrise and Mentor Ohio.
The TV given here was named Rtn. McCullugh TV, I odn't know of these people would remember Art's name after we left but for the few minutes we were there they would and they would think about some men in a foreign land who were generous and sent money so a TV and play things could be given to them. The TV in the next village was tn. Ross TV and in the third village it was Rtn. Grose TV.
We went over to the next village and saw destruction but thankfully in this village though they lived on the sea no lives were lost. This was a smaller village and peple were more disciplined, the TV was handed over to the villae headman and this village also got 20 transistors (radios). All materials were handed over to the headman who would ensure they were distrubuted in an equitable manner. Most people who go with relief material go with the belief that the village headman would usurp most of the things and very little would reach the people, but in our experience we found that when we tried to give the materials drectly there was only chaos and the strong ones trying to take away more than their share. We always work with the locals who know the people, who has what and in most cases we have never had a problem.
There was a borewell that had bene drilled and a pump had been installed recently, we freshened ourselves here and moved on.
Food nor drink was on our mind, the only thought was to reach out and make these people happy. the next village was closeby and had faced severe damage to property and loss of lives. The tn. Grose TV was installed in this village. We said that the radios must be given to the old people. An old lady came and thanked us saying that she had not listened to music since the Tsunami stuck and that today the entire village would be istenig to music form the 30
radios that were handed out. The kids had already started planning on what to watch on the TV in the evening. Cricket teams had been formed and the laughing and smiling children were getting ready for the happiest Sunday after the Tsunami.
We left the village and started driving towards Chennai, happy and in the comfort that there were people who would stand by us in this hour of need. People who would spread happiness from a distant land, people who would reach out to these people, to make them happy to show them that people cared and wanted to help them.
We had just received news that the Medford Rotary Club would be sending in happiness soon and that a member of their Club would be visiting us in the third week of February. We had received funds form non Rotarians as well, from Botswana, Netherlands and other countries.
In most villages the emergency relief work is over and people are preaing to get back to normal life as fast as they can, but when you have nothing in hand then you have nothing in your head too, it is difficukt to think how to move forward, with nothing or little hope and it is here that Rotary Clubs step in, because we can stand, plan, persevere and help people back on their feet. Thanks heavens Rotary is here.
Saturday, January 22, 2005
Chennai Kilpauk's next trip
Members of the Rotary Club of Chennai Kilpauk will leave on Sunday 23rd morning to Marakkanam about 100 Kms from Chennai.
We will distribute here 5 Metric Tonnes of rice.
Once the need (food) is taken care of we hope to bring smiles to their faces.
Needs are to keep humans alive but wants when fulfilled make people happy.
This is what we are going to do.
Thanks to the generosity of fellow Rotians’ Rotary Clubs
(Chip Ross, Art McCullough, Douglas Grose)
We will carry with us 3 Televisions sets for three villages in the Marakkanam area, these TVs will serve over 300 families. These are 29 inch TVs which will be installed in a community hall for the benefit of the entire village.
We will also be taking with us
Cricket Kits, Footballs, Tennikoit rings, throw balls, skipping ropes and tennis balls, carrom boards for children.
50 AM/FM radios have been purchased and will be distributed.
I am rather excited about Sunday because these kids have been asking for these cricket sets and toys and have not been getting it. They have stopped hoping and I want to see them when they get it. As far as they go the adult world has forgotten them, and this is going to change on Sunday.
Our first water treatment plant has been installed in Karaikkal and within the next few days 2 more will be installed.
This evening at our Club meeting we had invited the village headman of a village we visited and distributed our family building kits a few weeks ago. He tells us that many families have been displaced and while emergency relief measures have given them food and clothing, it has not addressed many other needs such as safe drinking water, mental trauma, stress, deliang with children and so on. He comes from an area which was affected very badly. Entire villages wiped out.
You can expect updates soon on what we are doing and planning
Bye for now
Hari Ratan
We will distribute here 5 Metric Tonnes of rice.
Once the need (food) is taken care of we hope to bring smiles to their faces.
Needs are to keep humans alive but wants when fulfilled make people happy.
This is what we are going to do.
Thanks to the generosity of fellow Rotians’ Rotary Clubs
(Chip Ross, Art McCullough, Douglas Grose)
We will carry with us 3 Televisions sets for three villages in the Marakkanam area, these TVs will serve over 300 families. These are 29 inch TVs which will be installed in a community hall for the benefit of the entire village.
We will also be taking with us
Cricket Kits, Footballs, Tennikoit rings, throw balls, skipping ropes and tennis balls, carrom boards for children.
50 AM/FM radios have been purchased and will be distributed.
I am rather excited about Sunday because these kids have been asking for these cricket sets and toys and have not been getting it. They have stopped hoping and I want to see them when they get it. As far as they go the adult world has forgotten them, and this is going to change on Sunday.
Our first water treatment plant has been installed in Karaikkal and within the next few days 2 more will be installed.
This evening at our Club meeting we had invited the village headman of a village we visited and distributed our family building kits a few weeks ago. He tells us that many families have been displaced and while emergency relief measures have given them food and clothing, it has not addressed many other needs such as safe drinking water, mental trauma, stress, deliang with children and so on. He comes from an area which was affected very badly. Entire villages wiped out.
You can expect updates soon on what we are doing and planning
Bye for now
Hari Ratan
Sunday, January 16, 2005
Regular meeting to decide way forward
The members of the RCCK met on Friday to decide the way forward. Rtn Hari Ratan made a presentation on the reielf work done till now and the special invitees Mrs Andal Damodaran of ICCW (Indian Council for Child Welfare) and the Alumni of BITS Pilani spoke.
Mrs Damodaran after her visit to Andamans and other Tsunami affected areas said hat while orphans were being taken care of by the Govt and there were many NGOs wanting to take care of the orphans children with single parents were finding it difficult. While schools had reopened, the attendance was very thin becuase the children had no books, stationery and therefore were not going back to school. ICCW had put together back to school kits and distributing them in affected areas.
The alumni of BITS said that they were wanting to adopt a coomunity of about 25 families and were wanting to tie up with RCCK.
Hari Ratan informed the Club that Chip Ross and Art McCullough have pledged USD 1000 from their Clubs towards the purchase and distribution of toys to the children.
It was decided that Pres. Karthik would form a team to decide on the rehablitation project and finalise the plan in a short time.
Mrs Damodaran after her visit to Andamans and other Tsunami affected areas said hat while orphans were being taken care of by the Govt and there were many NGOs wanting to take care of the orphans children with single parents were finding it difficult. While schools had reopened, the attendance was very thin becuase the children had no books, stationery and therefore were not going back to school. ICCW had put together back to school kits and distributing them in affected areas.
The alumni of BITS said that they were wanting to adopt a coomunity of about 25 families and were wanting to tie up with RCCK.
Hari Ratan informed the Club that Chip Ross and Art McCullough have pledged USD 1000 from their Clubs towards the purchase and distribution of toys to the children.
It was decided that Pres. Karthik would form a team to decide on the rehablitation project and finalise the plan in a short time.
Friday, January 14, 2005
Children in Tsunami affected area with nothing to hold them down. No toys, no books, no school, they get food and the adults feel that toys are not serious business. Toys and children's needs are not important enough to be considered now. AND it is the children who have shown greatest interest in getting back to normal. These kids had a great time seeing the pictures that I was taking. Digital cameras are great, I could show them there pictures and their day was made. Where are the girls? Maybe busy helpinh their mothers? with what? Household chores? What? without a home? Get the girls out and give them Barbies. So where are the Barbies? Hold on, I am coming with toys.
I don't know how to express myself
I called Chip Ross and Arthur McCullogh last evening (Indian Standard time), while Art was out talking to other Rotary Clubs for funds for the RC f Chennai Kilpauk, I was able to speak to Chip to whom I voiced my concern about the children. Chip immediately pledged USD 500 from his club earmarked for toys for the children, next morning I received a mail from Art and Chip each pledging USD 500 for toys to be distributed to the children.
Children of Tsunami
Tsunami-hit children need counselling
By Ramya Kannan
CHENNAI, JAN. 13. Trivial as it might seem in the context of the tragedy, a number of children who were witness to the colossal damage to life and property on December 26 have lost their playthings and toys, some, even their games. Dispossessed of people and things familiar to them, child victims of the tsunami are badly in need of immediate counselling.
At Thideer Nagar here, a young boy is upset that the slum's cricket pitch, painstakingly levelled by players themselves, has been hollowed out. "We struggled for a long while to make that pitch. Now there is nothing," he says. A grown up shushes him, chiding him for talking about "irrelevant" things. "This is important too. How do we play now," he asks.
The experience of counsellors working with affected children in the coastal villages shows that memories of the tsunami continue to impact their lives negatively. P. Manorama of Children's Health and Education Society, an NGO, has teams working at Pudukuppam, Cuddalore district. Counsellors, who have interacted with those in the orphanage and in schools, have come back with reports of how the children are depressed and afraid. "In the orphanage that the Government set up, there are about 60 children. As part of a therapeutic exercise, our counsellors began telling them stories. The kids piped up and said, `Thanni kathai vendam' (No water stories, please)," she says.
Attempts to make them recreate the incident as a painting or drawing too failed, with the kids refusing to do so. "It is another attempt to restore them to normalcy. Recreating the incident through a painting or drawing will be part of therapy," says Dr. Manorama.
At Akkaraipettai, Nagapattinam, an aid worker trying to persuade mothers to bring their children to the medical camp for vaccination, encounters a child who refuses to come for her shot. The mother explains that the child, who saw the huge waves, has since been frightened. She starts at every slight sound and would be terrified of the injection, the mother said.
Depression, phobia
Others have noticed that children have problems sleeping, and show clear symptoms of depression, phobia and inhibition. "This is a classic phobic reaction, which might take weeks or months to clear," says R. Thara of Schizophrenia Research Foundation. She adds that their psychiatrists had also came across children with a deep sense of fear and insecurity. "They are scared of going to the beach or to school and cling on to their parents and relatives, for fear of losing them."
The best thing is to get them to school immediately, distract them from the stories of the tragedy that the older people are still telling and set them to activity, says Dr. Thara. In addition, a systematic desensitisation, like taking them on group outings to the beach, will help rid them of the fear.
Dr. Manorama says the volunteers of CHES are hoping to provide the kids with toys, colours and drawing books, cricket bats and balls to rid of their phobia.
By Ramya Kannan
CHENNAI, JAN. 13. Trivial as it might seem in the context of the tragedy, a number of children who were witness to the colossal damage to life and property on December 26 have lost their playthings and toys, some, even their games. Dispossessed of people and things familiar to them, child victims of the tsunami are badly in need of immediate counselling.
At Thideer Nagar here, a young boy is upset that the slum's cricket pitch, painstakingly levelled by players themselves, has been hollowed out. "We struggled for a long while to make that pitch. Now there is nothing," he says. A grown up shushes him, chiding him for talking about "irrelevant" things. "This is important too. How do we play now," he asks.
The experience of counsellors working with affected children in the coastal villages shows that memories of the tsunami continue to impact their lives negatively. P. Manorama of Children's Health and Education Society, an NGO, has teams working at Pudukuppam, Cuddalore district. Counsellors, who have interacted with those in the orphanage and in schools, have come back with reports of how the children are depressed and afraid. "In the orphanage that the Government set up, there are about 60 children. As part of a therapeutic exercise, our counsellors began telling them stories. The kids piped up and said, `Thanni kathai vendam' (No water stories, please)," she says.
Attempts to make them recreate the incident as a painting or drawing too failed, with the kids refusing to do so. "It is another attempt to restore them to normalcy. Recreating the incident through a painting or drawing will be part of therapy," says Dr. Manorama.
At Akkaraipettai, Nagapattinam, an aid worker trying to persuade mothers to bring their children to the medical camp for vaccination, encounters a child who refuses to come for her shot. The mother explains that the child, who saw the huge waves, has since been frightened. She starts at every slight sound and would be terrified of the injection, the mother said.
Depression, phobia
Others have noticed that children have problems sleeping, and show clear symptoms of depression, phobia and inhibition. "This is a classic phobic reaction, which might take weeks or months to clear," says R. Thara of Schizophrenia Research Foundation. She adds that their psychiatrists had also came across children with a deep sense of fear and insecurity. "They are scared of going to the beach or to school and cling on to their parents and relatives, for fear of losing them."
The best thing is to get them to school immediately, distract them from the stories of the tragedy that the older people are still telling and set them to activity, says Dr. Thara. In addition, a systematic desensitisation, like taking them on group outings to the beach, will help rid them of the fear.
Dr. Manorama says the volunteers of CHES are hoping to provide the kids with toys, colours and drawing books, cricket bats and balls to rid of their phobia.
Wednesday, January 12, 2005
A note from a volunteer in Tsunami affected areas - NO TOYS HERE, PLEASE SEND SOME
The last two days Me , Manikandan and JP (from ALAK)along with some other IIT junta were in Nagapattinam helping with the relief distribution efforts in the worst affected villages. We were basicallyhelping with the loading of releif materials into trucks from godowns and sending them off to villages. I thought maybe people wondering how they could help could benefit from our point ofview...
1. People who send old clothes are not helping but greatly hindering the relief efforts. A lot of godowns are filled with old clothes which the villagers will not wear. I was working in the godowns and me and my friends had to tear open bags to check whether they contain new clothes or old. All over Nagapattinam old clothes are strewn around. Again, people in villages wear only sarees and dhotis not trousers and skirts...So useless old clothes just take up space in godowns preventing important material from being stocked and since the quantity is in tonnes and tonnes it is a serious problem. The villagers are also not rag pickers...they have a lot of dignity, in fact when I went to a village with a relief truck, such was their hospitality that in spite of having hardly any material for themselves they made us tea!!! So please ask people not to send old clothes.
2. The big problem is awareness of what is required.There is a lot of relief material but the type is very unbalanced. So far, the stuff sent by the gujarat government was very good because they sent a lot of new clothes and a good balance of toiletries, food, family kits etc. Since they have faced the Bhuj earthquake theyseem to know what is required. I would request would be donors NEVER to send anything directly to any village, but to contact an NGO or the district collectors of Cuddalore, Nagapattinam or Andamans and ask them their requirement. Of course cash donation either to recognised NGO's or Governmental relief funds is actually a good method too. As far as releif material goes people are more interested in labelling the parcels with the donor details, address, phone numbers rather than writing what is inside and how much! It is verypainful to break open parcels and count the things inside and find out what it is.
3. Tamil speaking volunteers are in short supply. Although the placesI visited are rife with volunteers doing a lot of goodwork, there seemed to be a shortage of Tamil speaking people to interact with thelocal officials and villagers. They do not understand english or Hindi and hence interpreters are very much required. Mani and JP had to do lots and lots of talking and convincing the governmentofficials to release more releif and explaing villagers what to take and all that...everyone was happy at the end of it especially the bureucrats:- for the forms and lists which they filled up inTamil!
4. If any one plans to vounteer NEVER and I repeat NEVER land up one day in Nagapattinam and say you have come to volunteer, unannounced.The NGOs and the government are now having a tough time coordinating the volunteers themselves. It is best to get in touch with an NGOworking there and ask them how many volunteers etc are required andonly proceed under their umbrella. Again, there are alot of volunteers available on weekends and a dip in numberson weekdays.
5. During the disaster no doubt the children suffered the most. But its children who are most enthusiastic to move on. When the relieftrucks come to their village, the boys want to know if anyone has sent bats and balls! Toys and games are very very importantto help them move on, because they don't have much to do at this time. THERE IS NOTA SINGLE TOY IN MOST OF THE GODOWNS and the NGO counselling groups are trying to arrange for these.
6. Please do not be discouraged by reports of reliefand cash reachingthe wrong hands and corrupt people and all that. Although we havepersonally seen small time workers flicking a T-shirt here, a biscuit packet there and some people taking away a couple of sacks of foodgrains...it is still very little. As the Nagapattinam collector (whoby the way is an amazing upright lady) said, "even if75% of the stuffreaches the villages it will be way more than enough".So though there is bound to be some dissipation, there are lots of resources and if some people flick something...it is not going to hurt anyone. Myappeal to all would-be donors is, please do not worryabout your money going waste, it all makes a BIG difference.
7. Currently a lot of behaviorial scientists,engineers, professors,and logistics professionals etc are helping out NGOs to chalk out the technical aspects of the rehabilitation work. Scientific organisations should contact NGOs directly and offer their help.
8. Under pain of reiterating myself, I once again, implore people notto be discouraged by reports of aid not reaching the people and all that. There will always be problems and the media loves giving attention to negative aspects rather than the goodwork that is going on. No one for example talks about how there is absolutely no outbreak of even a cold in Nagapattinam and the streets were much cleaner than most cities we live in. The medical camps have quickly and effectively done a thorough job of cleaning everything up and innoculating every single villager. Though most of the drinking water supplies are affected and ground water also tastes salty there, the army has done a good job of mobilising water purification systems andsetting up water infrastructure in many places. Of course it is not all that hunky dory and still some problems remain but things arehappening! Slowly albeit.
9. Cuddalore and Nagapattinam districts are in TamilNadu, so aid going to Tamil Nadu reaches the affected people in that state. Butmost people are unaware that towns such as Karaikal are in Pondicherrywhich cannot use the resources from Tamil Nadu, beinga UnionTerritory and all. So NGO's are resorting to buying relief materials in Pondicherry from the market and taking it straight to them, eventhough Tamil Nadu is just next door, overflowing with relief material because of all kinds of governmental and bureaucratic obstuctions come in the way.
1. People who send old clothes are not helping but greatly hindering the relief efforts. A lot of godowns are filled with old clothes which the villagers will not wear. I was working in the godowns and me and my friends had to tear open bags to check whether they contain new clothes or old. All over Nagapattinam old clothes are strewn around. Again, people in villages wear only sarees and dhotis not trousers and skirts...So useless old clothes just take up space in godowns preventing important material from being stocked and since the quantity is in tonnes and tonnes it is a serious problem. The villagers are also not rag pickers...they have a lot of dignity, in fact when I went to a village with a relief truck, such was their hospitality that in spite of having hardly any material for themselves they made us tea!!! So please ask people not to send old clothes.
2. The big problem is awareness of what is required.There is a lot of relief material but the type is very unbalanced. So far, the stuff sent by the gujarat government was very good because they sent a lot of new clothes and a good balance of toiletries, food, family kits etc. Since they have faced the Bhuj earthquake theyseem to know what is required. I would request would be donors NEVER to send anything directly to any village, but to contact an NGO or the district collectors of Cuddalore, Nagapattinam or Andamans and ask them their requirement. Of course cash donation either to recognised NGO's or Governmental relief funds is actually a good method too. As far as releif material goes people are more interested in labelling the parcels with the donor details, address, phone numbers rather than writing what is inside and how much! It is verypainful to break open parcels and count the things inside and find out what it is.
3. Tamil speaking volunteers are in short supply. Although the placesI visited are rife with volunteers doing a lot of goodwork, there seemed to be a shortage of Tamil speaking people to interact with thelocal officials and villagers. They do not understand english or Hindi and hence interpreters are very much required. Mani and JP had to do lots and lots of talking and convincing the governmentofficials to release more releif and explaing villagers what to take and all that...everyone was happy at the end of it especially the bureucrats:- for the forms and lists which they filled up inTamil!
4. If any one plans to vounteer NEVER and I repeat NEVER land up one day in Nagapattinam and say you have come to volunteer, unannounced.The NGOs and the government are now having a tough time coordinating the volunteers themselves. It is best to get in touch with an NGOworking there and ask them how many volunteers etc are required andonly proceed under their umbrella. Again, there are alot of volunteers available on weekends and a dip in numberson weekdays.
5. During the disaster no doubt the children suffered the most. But its children who are most enthusiastic to move on. When the relieftrucks come to their village, the boys want to know if anyone has sent bats and balls! Toys and games are very very importantto help them move on, because they don't have much to do at this time. THERE IS NOTA SINGLE TOY IN MOST OF THE GODOWNS and the NGO counselling groups are trying to arrange for these.
6. Please do not be discouraged by reports of reliefand cash reachingthe wrong hands and corrupt people and all that. Although we havepersonally seen small time workers flicking a T-shirt here, a biscuit packet there and some people taking away a couple of sacks of foodgrains...it is still very little. As the Nagapattinam collector (whoby the way is an amazing upright lady) said, "even if75% of the stuffreaches the villages it will be way more than enough".So though there is bound to be some dissipation, there are lots of resources and if some people flick something...it is not going to hurt anyone. Myappeal to all would-be donors is, please do not worryabout your money going waste, it all makes a BIG difference.
7. Currently a lot of behaviorial scientists,engineers, professors,and logistics professionals etc are helping out NGOs to chalk out the technical aspects of the rehabilitation work. Scientific organisations should contact NGOs directly and offer their help.
8. Under pain of reiterating myself, I once again, implore people notto be discouraged by reports of aid not reaching the people and all that. There will always be problems and the media loves giving attention to negative aspects rather than the goodwork that is going on. No one for example talks about how there is absolutely no outbreak of even a cold in Nagapattinam and the streets were much cleaner than most cities we live in. The medical camps have quickly and effectively done a thorough job of cleaning everything up and innoculating every single villager. Though most of the drinking water supplies are affected and ground water also tastes salty there, the army has done a good job of mobilising water purification systems andsetting up water infrastructure in many places. Of course it is not all that hunky dory and still some problems remain but things arehappening! Slowly albeit.
9. Cuddalore and Nagapattinam districts are in TamilNadu, so aid going to Tamil Nadu reaches the affected people in that state. Butmost people are unaware that towns such as Karaikal are in Pondicherrywhich cannot use the resources from Tamil Nadu, beinga UnionTerritory and all. So NGO's are resorting to buying relief materials in Pondicherry from the market and taking it straight to them, eventhough Tamil Nadu is just next door, overflowing with relief material because of all kinds of governmental and bureaucratic obstuctions come in the way.
Report from an NGO atively involved in rehab
1. The need for Emergency Relief has come to an endfor the mostpart. Several unserved or underserved pockets havebeen identified,and relief and medical supplies have been delivered tothem over thelast 48 hours by several organizations. In fact, thereare examples ofmultiple groups coming to the aid of the samecommunity—e.g. onequestion raised at the Nagai Coordination Meeting wasthe need for a mechanism to preclude the possibility of different medical teamsgiving shots to the same people! Our volunteers report some people completely unaffected by the disaster trying to garner or corner supplies.
2. NGOs are pushing the government to formallyannounce the end ofthe Relief Phase, so that donor organizations do notkeep dumping supplies in villages. This is to ensure that communities begin to getinto the 'rehabilitation' mind-set, and to ensure that donors get OUTof the 'relief and charity' mind-set. Also, one can't underestimatethe possibility of resentment building among other poorer communities unaffected by the Tsunami, who are seeing the massive levels of aid going mainly to one community (we have already seen some signs ofthis). We would urge prospective donors to be patient for a few days and evaluate how they can be of assistance in themassive rehabilitation phase yet to come: starting with an interim shelter phase, which the NGOs are hoping will be clearly defined by thegovernment in a way that the govt-NGO-community partnership roles areclearly delineated (e.g. who finances, who supplies material, who overseas, and who actually builds interim shelters).We refer you once again to the Interim Shelter Policy recommendationfrom NGOs inNagapattinam, which has now been formally submitted tothe T.N.Government.
3. In order to have some semblance of control over hundreds of relief trucks going into villages, some without any clear destinations, the local authorities have instituted some procedures.We are told that these procedures are not meant to stop supplies to the needy, but to reduce chaos and duplication: e.g.they are asking supply trucks to first register themselves with local authorities,with a copy of the inventory (e.g. at DRDA, District Rural Development Authority in Cuddalore), and to get a proper ID badgeor token from them.
4. For those without a clear destination, droppingoff supplies atthe NGO Coordination Center at the Nagai and other Collectorates maybe a better option than delivering them to places where the needs may have already been met, and face the risk of supplies falling into local politicians or power brokers' hands. Another alternative is todeliver supplies to regional centers being run by NGOs like AID and SIFFS, who can then systematically evaluate the needs of the communityin their areas and deliver them to the neediest.
5. Some international relief workers are arriving unannounced, with skills entirely inappropriate for this disaster assistance. As community workers emphasized in the Sunday meeting in Chennai, the immediate needs are: Volunteers willing to roll up sleeves and clear debris and dead bodies (as the military is doing insome places, andDalits, NGO volunteers, and even some corporate employees are doing inother places); Women volunteers with Tamil skills, who are willing to stay with communities for some time, acting as companions to bereaved women; and Organizational support to NGOs and the NGOCoordinationCenter--for e.g. to record and transcribe minutes(even here,knowledge of Tamil is preferred); and back office support to install IT systems in a hurry, to enter data (e.g. surveysbeing conducted byvarious groups), to maintain databases, and to communicate with other coordination points such as Chennai, Pondicherry, etc.Another need that has been expressed are Tamil speaking (preferably women)volunteers to serve as data gatherers in a possibleNGO-lead comprehensive damage assessment survey
6. "You ask for bread and you get a bakery," was one observation heard today that aptly describes some of groups who,in their well-intentioned desire to help, are offering anything from advanced power intensive water-making machines from the air, to advanced therapy techniques, to a plane load of milk, to disaster management training courses, and even scuba divers! As we heard in the Sunday meeting, the need to help may already be overwhelming the need for help. There are groups with loaded trucks andvolunteers ready to go to the affected areas from various cities, but withouta clue as towhere they are headed, and what they are going to doto help. We are getting many calls that fall in this category, and our advice is:"Please do not go now, but wait for a few days untilthe shelter and rehab needs are better defined, which will surelyrequire a lot ofhelp. If you must go, please be ready to plunge intodebris clearingwork, or link up first with someone already on the scene who knows exactly how and where you can help, or with those who may need to be relieved after several days of hard work."
7. Some of the Needs coordinated will give some idea of the latest needs:
1. More tippers and volunteers to clear debris(some groupswere willing to clear debris, provided they did notcome in contactwith bodies.)
2. Water purification tablets and 2 tons ofwater forhospitals in the Andamans, which was coordinated withthe Air Force at Tambaram
3. More preassembled rations kits and vesselkits forvillages near Karaikal, Pulicat, Kalpakkam, and Pondy
4. We are CURRENTLY organizing:
i.100 Cell phones and SIM cards for volunteers workingin the relief efforts
ii,.Financial, IT, and human resources for back officesupport, and damageand needs assessment surveys
iii.Large quantities of disinfectant for to use inpost-cleanup of debrisand bodies in villages (has already been sourced byTTK in the UK)
iv.Women's undergarments
8. Rehabilitation of Villages:
NGOs are strongly advising the government against allowing the concept of 'adopting'villages, which carries certain patronizing implications that drive the approach towards rebuilding and rehabilitating the communities(based onexperiences from other disasters, where there wereeven some attemptsto change the names of 'adopted' villages to donor-friendly names!)They are urging that the government invite groups to take 'responsibility' for certain villages in an organized manner, and inconsultation with the community--more as a long-term partnership. Wehope that this and other similar issues will also bespelled out soonin a recommendation to the government.
9. Rehabilitation of Livelihoods: Continuing discussions with the fishing community indicates that the approach to restoration of lost crafts and nets is likely to be quite complicated. Any discussion of replacing lost or damaged catamarans could have huge supply andenvironmental implications (one fishing group reportedthat 35,000 outof 50,000 catamarans--cost of Rs. 15 to 20,000--mayhave been lost ordamaged.) On the other hand, any plan to replace catamarans with motorized fiber glass boats (cost of Rs. 85,000 andare made inseveral parts of the South) could have huge financial and sourcing supply implications (the same fishing source reportedthat there were 2,500 motorized boats before the Tsunami.) Also, we are told that there are ten different types of fishing nets used inTamilnadu, based on the time of the year. We mention these notes, only to underscore that hurrying to donate boats or catamarans or nets, without a proper Needs Assessment, dove-tailed the policy and compensation plan by the government may be unproductive and disruptive. Also, given the enormous coverage that the plight of the affected fishing communities is getting in the press, we would like to note that there are a significant number of non-fishing villages which are also affected, and whose livelihood and rehab needs may be vastlydifferent.
10. Desire to Seek Alternative Livelihoods: We have also heard instances of fishermen, already frustrated in recent years by what we are told is the diminishing catch in the seas, who may be looking at this disaster as an opportunity to seek alternative livelihoods. This certainly adds another dimension to the rehab plans,turning the age old adage, "Don't give them fish; teach them how to fish" on its head. In this instance, relief agencies have not only NOT given them anyfish (but lots of rice and dhal and sambar powder!) over the last tendays, but we may have to teach some of them not to fish!
2. NGOs are pushing the government to formallyannounce the end ofthe Relief Phase, so that donor organizations do notkeep dumping supplies in villages. This is to ensure that communities begin to getinto the 'rehabilitation' mind-set, and to ensure that donors get OUTof the 'relief and charity' mind-set. Also, one can't underestimatethe possibility of resentment building among other poorer communities unaffected by the Tsunami, who are seeing the massive levels of aid going mainly to one community (we have already seen some signs ofthis). We would urge prospective donors to be patient for a few days and evaluate how they can be of assistance in themassive rehabilitation phase yet to come: starting with an interim shelter phase, which the NGOs are hoping will be clearly defined by thegovernment in a way that the govt-NGO-community partnership roles areclearly delineated (e.g. who finances, who supplies material, who overseas, and who actually builds interim shelters).We refer you once again to the Interim Shelter Policy recommendationfrom NGOs inNagapattinam, which has now been formally submitted tothe T.N.Government.
3. In order to have some semblance of control over hundreds of relief trucks going into villages, some without any clear destinations, the local authorities have instituted some procedures.We are told that these procedures are not meant to stop supplies to the needy, but to reduce chaos and duplication: e.g.they are asking supply trucks to first register themselves with local authorities,with a copy of the inventory (e.g. at DRDA, District Rural Development Authority in Cuddalore), and to get a proper ID badgeor token from them.
4. For those without a clear destination, droppingoff supplies atthe NGO Coordination Center at the Nagai and other Collectorates maybe a better option than delivering them to places where the needs may have already been met, and face the risk of supplies falling into local politicians or power brokers' hands. Another alternative is todeliver supplies to regional centers being run by NGOs like AID and SIFFS, who can then systematically evaluate the needs of the communityin their areas and deliver them to the neediest.
5. Some international relief workers are arriving unannounced, with skills entirely inappropriate for this disaster assistance. As community workers emphasized in the Sunday meeting in Chennai, the immediate needs are: Volunteers willing to roll up sleeves and clear debris and dead bodies (as the military is doing insome places, andDalits, NGO volunteers, and even some corporate employees are doing inother places); Women volunteers with Tamil skills, who are willing to stay with communities for some time, acting as companions to bereaved women; and Organizational support to NGOs and the NGOCoordinationCenter--for e.g. to record and transcribe minutes(even here,knowledge of Tamil is preferred); and back office support to install IT systems in a hurry, to enter data (e.g. surveysbeing conducted byvarious groups), to maintain databases, and to communicate with other coordination points such as Chennai, Pondicherry, etc.Another need that has been expressed are Tamil speaking (preferably women)volunteers to serve as data gatherers in a possibleNGO-lead comprehensive damage assessment survey
6. "You ask for bread and you get a bakery," was one observation heard today that aptly describes some of groups who,in their well-intentioned desire to help, are offering anything from advanced power intensive water-making machines from the air, to advanced therapy techniques, to a plane load of milk, to disaster management training courses, and even scuba divers! As we heard in the Sunday meeting, the need to help may already be overwhelming the need for help. There are groups with loaded trucks andvolunteers ready to go to the affected areas from various cities, but withouta clue as towhere they are headed, and what they are going to doto help. We are getting many calls that fall in this category, and our advice is:"Please do not go now, but wait for a few days untilthe shelter and rehab needs are better defined, which will surelyrequire a lot ofhelp. If you must go, please be ready to plunge intodebris clearingwork, or link up first with someone already on the scene who knows exactly how and where you can help, or with those who may need to be relieved after several days of hard work."
7. Some of the Needs coordinated will give some idea of the latest needs:
1. More tippers and volunteers to clear debris(some groupswere willing to clear debris, provided they did notcome in contactwith bodies.)
2. Water purification tablets and 2 tons ofwater forhospitals in the Andamans, which was coordinated withthe Air Force at Tambaram
3. More preassembled rations kits and vesselkits forvillages near Karaikal, Pulicat, Kalpakkam, and Pondy
4. We are CURRENTLY organizing:
i.100 Cell phones and SIM cards for volunteers workingin the relief efforts
ii,.Financial, IT, and human resources for back officesupport, and damageand needs assessment surveys
iii.Large quantities of disinfectant for to use inpost-cleanup of debrisand bodies in villages (has already been sourced byTTK in the UK)
iv.Women's undergarments
8. Rehabilitation of Villages:
NGOs are strongly advising the government against allowing the concept of 'adopting'villages, which carries certain patronizing implications that drive the approach towards rebuilding and rehabilitating the communities(based onexperiences from other disasters, where there wereeven some attemptsto change the names of 'adopted' villages to donor-friendly names!)They are urging that the government invite groups to take 'responsibility' for certain villages in an organized manner, and inconsultation with the community--more as a long-term partnership. Wehope that this and other similar issues will also bespelled out soonin a recommendation to the government.
9. Rehabilitation of Livelihoods: Continuing discussions with the fishing community indicates that the approach to restoration of lost crafts and nets is likely to be quite complicated. Any discussion of replacing lost or damaged catamarans could have huge supply andenvironmental implications (one fishing group reportedthat 35,000 outof 50,000 catamarans--cost of Rs. 15 to 20,000--mayhave been lost ordamaged.) On the other hand, any plan to replace catamarans with motorized fiber glass boats (cost of Rs. 85,000 andare made inseveral parts of the South) could have huge financial and sourcing supply implications (the same fishing source reportedthat there were 2,500 motorized boats before the Tsunami.) Also, we are told that there are ten different types of fishing nets used inTamilnadu, based on the time of the year. We mention these notes, only to underscore that hurrying to donate boats or catamarans or nets, without a proper Needs Assessment, dove-tailed the policy and compensation plan by the government may be unproductive and disruptive. Also, given the enormous coverage that the plight of the affected fishing communities is getting in the press, we would like to note that there are a significant number of non-fishing villages which are also affected, and whose livelihood and rehab needs may be vastlydifferent.
10. Desire to Seek Alternative Livelihoods: We have also heard instances of fishermen, already frustrated in recent years by what we are told is the diminishing catch in the seas, who may be looking at this disaster as an opportunity to seek alternative livelihoods. This certainly adds another dimension to the rehab plans,turning the age old adage, "Don't give them fish; teach them how to fish" on its head. In this instance, relief agencies have not only NOT given them anyfish (but lots of rice and dhal and sambar powder!) over the last tendays, but we may have to teach some of them not to fish!
Sunday, January 09, 2005
Tsunami effects, relief and what we did in 2 days of travelling
Tsunami travels
Subsequent to the Tsunami wiping out lives and homes in the East Coast of India, the Rotary Cub of Chennai Kilpauk swung into action to reach out to those affected by this natural disaster. On 26th evening cart loads of clothes had been collected and message had gone out asking for food. On the morning of 27th all clothes had been distributed and so also food and other materials.
A Board meeting was held to seek the opinion of the Board members and then talk to members of the Club to see how the Club could use its abilities and skills in reaching help to those affected. Amidst conflicting reports and confusing requests a pattern seemed to emerge. What was required was relief in the form of day to day items which are used in every household and in the long term a programme for rehabilitation.
The Club started to put together its resources and commenced working on its plan for providing relief to those affected by the Tsunami. Over 10 Rotarians put in many hours of work for a period of over 10 days and used many of their staff in Chennai and in Locations like Bhuvanagiri, Pondicherry, and Nagapattinam to understand how we could be of help and in setting up the base so that materials could reach the needy.
The list of materials requested kept changing with every call and meeting, the Govt. authorities wanted something different from what the Club members were told by other NGOs and people. Slowly a pattern emerged and the Club decided that it would put together its “Family Building kits” and distribute them in the affected areas.
Over 20 Metric tones of rice was procured and packed in a matter of few days and the members started putting together the material for the kits. The kits were ready by 6th evening and the members left for the Tsunami affected areas on the morning of 7th January 2005. The Trucks carrying the relief materials would reach their destinations before the members arrived and be ready for distribution.
Non members who had volunteered had already reached these locations and had started to distribute tokens to those who were affected by the Tsunami. This painstaking effort needed time and a lot of effort and could not be done on one day. By the time the members reached the destinations people were ready with their tokens.
As regards the materials procured there was no compromising the quality of materials, the club decided that while it was important to reach to large numbers it was vital that the materials provided by the Club would be of good quality. This approach was approved by everyone though we would reach out to a lesser number of people,
The members of the Club were personally involved in identifying the material, negotiating the prices and inspecting them for quality.
While some members were putting the material together, some where working on the logistics and a few were interacting with the Govt. authorities and NGOs to ensure support, some members were bringing and putting the funds together.
Locations had been finalised, kits had been put together, funds had come in and it was time for us to leave.
Two Toyota Qualis arranged for by two members of the club with drivers was used to transport members to the distribution points. All distribution points were by the seaside but there would be no time for fun, wetting your feet or for relaxation.
10 of us left Chennai at 6 in the morning and proceeded to Pondicherry. A few kilometers away from Pondicherry was the fishing village of Veerampattinam, (“ram” as in as in C’rom’well and patt as in but), we had breakfast in Pondicherry a once French Colony and drove down to Veerampattinam, where people were waiting for us. The trucks had arrived with 20 tonnes of rice packed in 15 Kgs bags, ready fro distribution, the police had arrived to ensure order and so that no unruly elements could disrupt the order. This consignment of rice was sponsored by Godrej Sara Lee and Sumangala Steels, our President being the Managing Director of the latter; the contribution from the RCCK was matched by these organizations.
The Club had received information about the village and what was required, only rice would be distributed here, no kits. This was because most homes were intact but there was no food because the men could not go out to fish.
The fishing village had lost most of its boats and what was left was damaged. The fishermen had no nets. They were whiling away their time not knowing what to do. The women were trying to find food. Though this village had lost only a few lives, they now had no means of livelihood.
The people in this village wanted a means of getting back to sea. Like most poor people they did not have the heart to throw away their old nets which were lying all around giving the impression that they had enough nets to get started. I inspected a few piles of nets and was surprised to find that the nylon nets where in such bad shape that when I pulled at the strings they just came away, the nets were obviously old and could not be used. I asked them to clear up the beach and throw away the nets which could not be used. This would help NGOs visiting the village to assess their needs and provide what they can.
Once the rice distribution was over, we moved onto Cuddalore, where we had lunch at our President’s Father in Law’s home. After lunch we moved on, we drove down to a place called “Killai” a large area comprising of many small fishing hamlets on the mangrove swamps of Porto Novo. The entire place had been devastated, thousands were homeless and many lives had been lost. Those who were alive had moved inland and effused to go back to their land, there were almost no homes left for them to go back to anyway. There was one village MGR Thittu which was completely wiped out with only a handful of survivors. I was told that on the 26th after the Tsunami hit them, those were alive moved inland in fear and came back the next day to their homes to retrieve what they could. What nature had not taken away was removed by burglars. All their savings, their livelihood had been removed. Now in spite of the Tsunami not wrecking their homes, they had still lost everything they had. This was a story we would hear in almost every place. Many had been living in 2 storey concrete houses and now they were reduced to living in relief camps.
Many women who accepted the kits from us here were crying and bemoaning their fate. They who had once lived happily and in comfort (compared to their present situation) where now reduced having to stand in queues and to accept these offerings.
The queues had started to form and it was decided to hand over the kits from the lorries itself. The police helped maintain discipline. The people were orderly and helped us in helping them
Next morning we reached Nagapattinam and reached the Star Kalyana Mahal, (Star Marriage Hall) where over 200 people were living. Tokens had already been issued to about 500 families who were living in and around this location. Again there was no dearth of gruesome tales and I will refrain from retelling these stories since it really serves no purpose other than to satisfy those who get charged with such stories there are too many to tell.
The lorries arrived and the kits were handed over to the families who came in with tokens. Later kits were distributed to those without tokens but who looked needy.
After the kits were distributed here we drove down to Velankanni the famous seashore church village. Here over 1000 had dies and misery still lived. We walked into a deserted church, a rarity because this temple has over 50000 people coming in on a normal day and this doubled during weekends and we were there on Saturday. Everything within 200 metres of the shore was ruined. There are very many small houses (like ghettos) on the side roads leading to the beach from the Church. Again there were many horror stories about the water, death, loss of property and suffering. We had come here to visit the Parish priest to find out if he could provide land for a water treatment plant. We waited and met him, when we told what we wanted to do he told us that he had already taken care of everything. There was nothing much that we could do. AND if there was anything that we could do, he would get in touch with us. Feeling really low and let down after this meeting we left Velankanni for Chennai. We saw so much death, suffering and misery and this man tells us that he has done everything, in this place there can never be enough at this point in time.
Schools have been occupied by these people, they have no place to go, now the schools want to reopen. Where will these people go? If they do not move out what will happen to children’s education?
(Lesson 1) I am sure there must be a way relief material can be distributed in a more dignified manner. The people receiving them must as feel good as us who give them.
(Lesson 2) When someone offers help, show gratitude, humbleness and find out how both can work together to help people. Never brush off someone saying that you have done everything already.
(Lesson 3) No one can reach out to the people like the Govt. this is because of the machinery available, the reach and the administrative power. Without the help of the Govt. we would never have been able to reach out to the people the way we did. Many feel that it is difficult to work with the Govt. and that much goes waste and red tape is difficult to handle. We encountered no red tape and in fact we were able to get our work done smoothly and in a much shorter time thanks to the co operation of the Govt.
(Lesson 4) Our rice and relief kits were in great demand. May who had received materials came and requested for our kits in Porto Novo because the vessels given by others were of poor quality. If you can give only one vessel give it, rather than giving away 2 vessels of bad quality.
(Lesson 5) Do not ignore the old, they also need our help. I noticed that in many cases the elderly could not get enough to eat or other relief material because they did not have the energy to stand in the snaking queues to get those “tokens” which entitle them to “kits”. Can we not have special counters for them? We still live in a world where only the fittest survive, so who is going to take care of the old? The women who are timid and who are not able to thrust themselves?
What we plan to do:
Our 2 days of travel into the affected areas and discussions with those who have been affected and Govt. agencies have thrown open possibilities. We need to build infra structure, houses and schools. We need to get the men back to work, provide them with the required equipment, take care orphans. More importantly prevent the unscrupulous from exploiting the situation and safeguard the women and the children and the elderly.
There is so much to be done, sooooo much.
The members who traveled have discussed various options and have some ideas. What we need to do now is to consolidate our funds. Once this is done and we know what can be done, maybe an orphanage? This could be with another Not for profit which has extensive experience in handling orphans.
There will be a series of meetings over the next few days to firm up plans.
Meanwhile, 3 water treatment plants are in our hands which will be installed shortly. These plants provide 200 litres of drinking water per hour but would need non brackish water. It is hoped that these plants will be installed in the next week or so.
We hope to obtain 2 or 3 larger water treatment plants which will support the water needs of a community, as much as 50,000 litres of water a day.
Discussions have commenced with Govt. authorities on the way forward.
However, we need all the help we can get. Unless work starts in right earnest now, and people see hope and are confident that something will happen to alleviate their misery, they will not be able to move forward.
Subsequent to the Tsunami wiping out lives and homes in the East Coast of India, the Rotary Cub of Chennai Kilpauk swung into action to reach out to those affected by this natural disaster. On 26th evening cart loads of clothes had been collected and message had gone out asking for food. On the morning of 27th all clothes had been distributed and so also food and other materials.
A Board meeting was held to seek the opinion of the Board members and then talk to members of the Club to see how the Club could use its abilities and skills in reaching help to those affected. Amidst conflicting reports and confusing requests a pattern seemed to emerge. What was required was relief in the form of day to day items which are used in every household and in the long term a programme for rehabilitation.
The Club started to put together its resources and commenced working on its plan for providing relief to those affected by the Tsunami. Over 10 Rotarians put in many hours of work for a period of over 10 days and used many of their staff in Chennai and in Locations like Bhuvanagiri, Pondicherry, and Nagapattinam to understand how we could be of help and in setting up the base so that materials could reach the needy.
The list of materials requested kept changing with every call and meeting, the Govt. authorities wanted something different from what the Club members were told by other NGOs and people. Slowly a pattern emerged and the Club decided that it would put together its “Family Building kits” and distribute them in the affected areas.
Over 20 Metric tones of rice was procured and packed in a matter of few days and the members started putting together the material for the kits. The kits were ready by 6th evening and the members left for the Tsunami affected areas on the morning of 7th January 2005. The Trucks carrying the relief materials would reach their destinations before the members arrived and be ready for distribution.
Non members who had volunteered had already reached these locations and had started to distribute tokens to those who were affected by the Tsunami. This painstaking effort needed time and a lot of effort and could not be done on one day. By the time the members reached the destinations people were ready with their tokens.
As regards the materials procured there was no compromising the quality of materials, the club decided that while it was important to reach to large numbers it was vital that the materials provided by the Club would be of good quality. This approach was approved by everyone though we would reach out to a lesser number of people,
The members of the Club were personally involved in identifying the material, negotiating the prices and inspecting them for quality.
While some members were putting the material together, some where working on the logistics and a few were interacting with the Govt. authorities and NGOs to ensure support, some members were bringing and putting the funds together.
Locations had been finalised, kits had been put together, funds had come in and it was time for us to leave.
Two Toyota Qualis arranged for by two members of the club with drivers was used to transport members to the distribution points. All distribution points were by the seaside but there would be no time for fun, wetting your feet or for relaxation.
10 of us left Chennai at 6 in the morning and proceeded to Pondicherry. A few kilometers away from Pondicherry was the fishing village of Veerampattinam, (“ram” as in as in C’rom’well and patt as in but), we had breakfast in Pondicherry a once French Colony and drove down to Veerampattinam, where people were waiting for us. The trucks had arrived with 20 tonnes of rice packed in 15 Kgs bags, ready fro distribution, the police had arrived to ensure order and so that no unruly elements could disrupt the order. This consignment of rice was sponsored by Godrej Sara Lee and Sumangala Steels, our President being the Managing Director of the latter; the contribution from the RCCK was matched by these organizations.
The Club had received information about the village and what was required, only rice would be distributed here, no kits. This was because most homes were intact but there was no food because the men could not go out to fish.
The fishing village had lost most of its boats and what was left was damaged. The fishermen had no nets. They were whiling away their time not knowing what to do. The women were trying to find food. Though this village had lost only a few lives, they now had no means of livelihood.
The people in this village wanted a means of getting back to sea. Like most poor people they did not have the heart to throw away their old nets which were lying all around giving the impression that they had enough nets to get started. I inspected a few piles of nets and was surprised to find that the nylon nets where in such bad shape that when I pulled at the strings they just came away, the nets were obviously old and could not be used. I asked them to clear up the beach and throw away the nets which could not be used. This would help NGOs visiting the village to assess their needs and provide what they can.
Once the rice distribution was over, we moved onto Cuddalore, where we had lunch at our President’s Father in Law’s home. After lunch we moved on, we drove down to a place called “Killai” a large area comprising of many small fishing hamlets on the mangrove swamps of Porto Novo. The entire place had been devastated, thousands were homeless and many lives had been lost. Those who were alive had moved inland and effused to go back to their land, there were almost no homes left for them to go back to anyway. There was one village MGR Thittu which was completely wiped out with only a handful of survivors. I was told that on the 26th after the Tsunami hit them, those were alive moved inland in fear and came back the next day to their homes to retrieve what they could. What nature had not taken away was removed by burglars. All their savings, their livelihood had been removed. Now in spite of the Tsunami not wrecking their homes, they had still lost everything they had. This was a story we would hear in almost every place. Many had been living in 2 storey concrete houses and now they were reduced to living in relief camps.
Many women who accepted the kits from us here were crying and bemoaning their fate. They who had once lived happily and in comfort (compared to their present situation) where now reduced having to stand in queues and to accept these offerings.
The queues had started to form and it was decided to hand over the kits from the lorries itself. The police helped maintain discipline. The people were orderly and helped us in helping them
Next morning we reached Nagapattinam and reached the Star Kalyana Mahal, (Star Marriage Hall) where over 200 people were living. Tokens had already been issued to about 500 families who were living in and around this location. Again there was no dearth of gruesome tales and I will refrain from retelling these stories since it really serves no purpose other than to satisfy those who get charged with such stories there are too many to tell.
The lorries arrived and the kits were handed over to the families who came in with tokens. Later kits were distributed to those without tokens but who looked needy.
After the kits were distributed here we drove down to Velankanni the famous seashore church village. Here over 1000 had dies and misery still lived. We walked into a deserted church, a rarity because this temple has over 50000 people coming in on a normal day and this doubled during weekends and we were there on Saturday. Everything within 200 metres of the shore was ruined. There are very many small houses (like ghettos) on the side roads leading to the beach from the Church. Again there were many horror stories about the water, death, loss of property and suffering. We had come here to visit the Parish priest to find out if he could provide land for a water treatment plant. We waited and met him, when we told what we wanted to do he told us that he had already taken care of everything. There was nothing much that we could do. AND if there was anything that we could do, he would get in touch with us. Feeling really low and let down after this meeting we left Velankanni for Chennai. We saw so much death, suffering and misery and this man tells us that he has done everything, in this place there can never be enough at this point in time.
Schools have been occupied by these people, they have no place to go, now the schools want to reopen. Where will these people go? If they do not move out what will happen to children’s education?
(Lesson 1) I am sure there must be a way relief material can be distributed in a more dignified manner. The people receiving them must as feel good as us who give them.
(Lesson 2) When someone offers help, show gratitude, humbleness and find out how both can work together to help people. Never brush off someone saying that you have done everything already.
(Lesson 3) No one can reach out to the people like the Govt. this is because of the machinery available, the reach and the administrative power. Without the help of the Govt. we would never have been able to reach out to the people the way we did. Many feel that it is difficult to work with the Govt. and that much goes waste and red tape is difficult to handle. We encountered no red tape and in fact we were able to get our work done smoothly and in a much shorter time thanks to the co operation of the Govt.
(Lesson 4) Our rice and relief kits were in great demand. May who had received materials came and requested for our kits in Porto Novo because the vessels given by others were of poor quality. If you can give only one vessel give it, rather than giving away 2 vessels of bad quality.
(Lesson 5) Do not ignore the old, they also need our help. I noticed that in many cases the elderly could not get enough to eat or other relief material because they did not have the energy to stand in the snaking queues to get those “tokens” which entitle them to “kits”. Can we not have special counters for them? We still live in a world where only the fittest survive, so who is going to take care of the old? The women who are timid and who are not able to thrust themselves?
What we plan to do:
Our 2 days of travel into the affected areas and discussions with those who have been affected and Govt. agencies have thrown open possibilities. We need to build infra structure, houses and schools. We need to get the men back to work, provide them with the required equipment, take care orphans. More importantly prevent the unscrupulous from exploiting the situation and safeguard the women and the children and the elderly.
There is so much to be done, sooooo much.
The members who traveled have discussed various options and have some ideas. What we need to do now is to consolidate our funds. Once this is done and we know what can be done, maybe an orphanage? This could be with another Not for profit which has extensive experience in handling orphans.
There will be a series of meetings over the next few days to firm up plans.
Meanwhile, 3 water treatment plants are in our hands which will be installed shortly. These plants provide 200 litres of drinking water per hour but would need non brackish water. It is hoped that these plants will be installed in the next week or so.
We hope to obtain 2 or 3 larger water treatment plants which will support the water needs of a community, as much as 50,000 litres of water a day.
Discussions have commenced with Govt. authorities on the way forward.
However, we need all the help we can get. Unless work starts in right earnest now, and people see hope and are confident that something will happen to alleviate their misery, they will not be able to move forward.
After lunch in Cuddalore sitting from left to right, Mr. Mudaliar (father in law of our Pres. karthik), Parthiban who along with Vidhya souced relief material, Hari Ratan - me, Karthik President. Standing frm left to right, Subbu Secretary, Sreevatsa Pres elect, Vijaya, Vidhya, Siva PP, PC Sekhar not a member of our Club, he made himself available 24 hours to this effort. The picture was taken by Narendran a BITS pilani Alumni who came along with us to explore possibilities of working together on the long term rehabilitation of Tsunami victoms.
A woman carryng away bags of rice from he distribution centre. This woman's daughter chided her for taking 2 bags of rice when she was entitled to one. The daughter called her a beggar and then a thief for taking away someone else's food. Ethics in difficult times? This women has taught her daughter well and gave her the courage to practice it on her.
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