| Responding
to Devastation__
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Update
on EFICOR’s Tsunami Relief Intervention |
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Update
No: 11 |
18 Mar 05 |
From
the General Director
Dear Partners and well wishers,
The Tsunami has left behind footprints of death and loss. Looking
back at the physical and psychological consequences that haunt
the lives of the survivors of the disaster, I feel that much
work is yet to be done. Thank you for continuing to partner with us in the rebuilding
of the lives of those affected by the Tsunami. We value your
prayers and financial support, which has motivated us to reach
this far. Dino L. Touthang
MGR Thittu, Cuddalore, Tamil Nadu On 26th February, the District Collector of Cuddalore, Mr. Gagandeep Singh Bedi, IAS handed over 239 uniquely designed temporary shelters and seven boats to the community of MGR Thittu and Muzhukuthurai, Cuddalore District in Tamil Nadu. The fishermen were involved in the process of finalising the design for the houses and selecting the boat model and purchase of the boats. The temporary houses built are the of the size 15’ x 8’ with pre- fabricated concrete slabs and pre painted GI sheet roofing. The room is larger than most temporary shelters built. The approximate cost of each house is Rs. 22,000. The fiber glass boats with motor nets cost around Rs 1.45 lakhs per set. A total of 50 sets will be provided for families in MGR Thittu, each boat will be owned and managed by five families. Speaking at the occasion, after handing over of the houses and boats, Mr. Gagandeep Singh Bedi commented that EFICOR’s construction of temporary shelters have been well received by the people. He also exhorted EFICOR to keep up the efforts for long-term rehabilitation. He also noted that the boats provided would help the community to restart their daily routines and earn their livelihood.
The shelters are estimated to last for more than five years. The successful completion of the construction of the houses was the result of support by the government agencies at all levels in identifying the site, providing logistic support; active participation of the communities and the dedicated work of the EFICOR staff in the field.
MGR Thittu village is situated on a small island in the backwaters
and Muzhukuthurai on the seashore of Killai Panchayat of Cuddalore
District. The islands were inhabited by the fishing community.
The two villages were completely devastated on 26th December 2004,
when the waves hit the islands. The village lost 64 women and
children to the waves.
Andaman and Nicobar Islands: Transportaion of all fabrication units and housing materials are underway from mainland to commence the construction. EFICOR has been awarded a consultative status with ECOSOC-UN, (Economic and Social Council – United Nations) and also has been accepted as a member of WANGO (World Association of Non-Government Associations) last month. International Women Day was celebrated on 8th
March at Pillai Colony in Tarangambadi Taluk, Nagapattinam. Cultural
programme like group songs, dance and skits kept the community
entertained. Please
feel free to use the information contained in this
update for communicating to your wider networks
By- Alung Gangmei As usual, 70 year old Kupamma was at the tea stall when the waves hit her little village on the morning of 26th December. By about six in the evening, she was found stuck in a thorn bush by the villagers. “It’s a miracle that I am alive today”, she said. Kupamma lives all alone in her village called Perumalpettai, Tarangambadi Taluk, Nagappatinam in Tamil Nadu. Her married children live in the same village and visit her often. She has been receiving relief materials including health mix
called ‘Manna Mix’ (Manna Mix comprises of ragi, millet, jower,
wheat, rice, barley, fried grams, soya bean, green gram, badam,
sago and cardamom ) When asked whether she enjoyed eating the
health mix, with a big smile, she said, “Yes”. She even took time
to explain how she prepares the porridge, “I heat water in a pan,
add sugar to my taste and stir in the manna mix. I continue to
stir until it’s done and I drink it”. She not only prepares the
health food for herself but also shares it with people visiting
her.
PRAISE POINTS For the handing over of boats and 239 houses to the community in MGR Titthu, Cuddalore and the appreciation received. For the success of the Cash for work programme in Nagapattinam. For commendations received from Government and other NGOs for the success of Cash for work in Nagapattinam. Allotment of area for temporary houses in Andaman and Nicobar Islands. For the good health of the staff and volunteers. For the prayer support we have received. For
the safety of staff and families during their relocation. PRAYER POINTS For the restoration of livelihoods of the affected communities For the supply of 50 boats in MGR Titthu. For the government allotment for construction of permanent houses in Tamil Nadu and Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Forr the repair of houses in progress. For the construction of temporary houses.
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