Tsunami Response

Mr Venkatachalam and Mr Nagarajan have visited the affected areas of Tamil Nadu. This is their report. The losses are phenomenal. Initially relief work has to be undertaken to stabilise the existence of people in the fishing communities. Whilst undertaking this work we will finalise the exact villages that we will be working with. We ask for immediate approval of 5 lakh – £6250 so we can start work. (Approval given). Initial relief work to be carried out with the 10-20 most affected villages.(See attached list).Within six months we will identify a target village for further development with full Government recognition. As a matter of urgency we will:

• Replace sheds
• Repair thatches
• Construct temporary thatch shelters
• Organise food and water distribution systems
• Arrange education provision for children
• Organise and provide primary health care
• Support affected people as required

The Government has adopted a policy that without their permission, re-development cannot go ahead. We are having meetings with Government officials today and tomorrow. We are very confident of gaining this permission. Many of the settlements were illegally constructed. The new areas for construction are going to be 500m away from original areas on higher ground.We propose to focus our work onto the support and development of 300 families. At the earliest opportunity we will identify the land where we will locate this community.COSTSMost people in the area have lost everything:

• House replacement costs RS50000 / £625
• Boat with net RS 30000 /  £375
• House belongings RS10000 / £125

Around 130000 families have been affected

Total : 7793

I have had a good conversation with Venkat this morning and can confirm that this report reflects the substance of information received.

Cheers David Eldridge