An Interim Report
The killer waves (Tsunami) hit the coastal villages of Pondicherry on 26th December 2004 around 9.00 a.m. Having learnt about the tragedy, we rushed to the spot by around 11.00 a.m. The team of HOPE did a rapid assessment of the situation and the need and gave up the plans of conducting an `Old Clothes Collection Drive' or providing cooked food. Instead we carried out the following relief activities.
 General Relief Measures (Oxfam Community Aid Abroad):
HOPE started supplying biscuits, breads and water packets indiscriminately in the Tsunami-hit villages mainly Kanagachettikulam, Peria Kalapet, Chinna Kalapet and Pillaichavady. We also supplied toothbrush, toothpaste and soap in these places. The same activities were carried out in the relief camps also. Our Volunteers were also involved in clearing the debris in these villages. We did not rush in major relief materials since Govt. also announced and provided a solatium of Rs. 1 lakh (100 thousand) to the family of the deceased + Rs.5000 for cremation expenses; clothing (2 sarees, 2 lungis, 2 towels, 1 bedsheet) and a cash relief of Rs. 2000/- to buy essential items and 20 kilograms of rice. Hence we were looking for the unmet wants and distributed 1000 pump stoves that were distributed in the village Kalapet. Supply Cards have been distributed to the people in Kanagachettikulam, Peria Kalapet, Chinna Kalapet, Pillaichavady and its hamlets to regularize the future distribution.
Child Care Centres (Terre Des Hommes):
HOPE started Child Care Centres in 6 places directly and in additional 5 places in collaboration with NGOs working in that area (Pondicherry Slum Dwellers Federation which is affiliated to National Slum Dwellers Federation). These Centres function as Trauma Care Centres wherein activities like drawing, singing, dancing, story-telling, etc. are going on. These children were provided stationery like Note Books, Pens, Pencils, Rubbers, Chart Papers, Crayons, Water Colours, Scales, Writing Pads, etc. They were also provided comb, toothbrush, toothpaste and soap. They are provided biscuits daily. There is also a request for Milk Powder, which will be supplied shortly. Children's data is also being collected to issue Children's Identity Cards to them and maintain a record of all the children with photographs for further rehabilitation activities. Right now (February 2005) we are in the process of creating the Child Development Centres in the villages itself.
Clothing for Women (Centre for World Solidarity):
While having interaction with the women activists and observing the relief measures of the Government, we realized that women are most affected and there are many unmet wants of women. Hence through the HOPE Velicham Women Self Help Group (Kuruvinatham), we are supplying the in-skirts and sanitary towels for women.
Material Donations:
Indo Global Social Service Society (IGSSS) and German Agro Action (GAA) has provided 50 kgs of rice and other food, clothing, household and shelter materials worth around Rs. 5000 to 250 families in Pondicherry.
Prakash Hr. Sec. School, Ahmedabad donated Note Books, Biscuits, Soap, Toothbrush, toothpaste and old clothes.
People's Watch - Tamil Nadu provided saree, blouse, in-skirts, lungi, towel and bedsheets to 500 households.
CEDA Trust, Dindigul donated 1000 Sanitary Napkins.
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