Caritas India, others launch large scale relief operations for tsunami victims

New Delhi – Caritas India, India’s largest catholic relief and rehabilitation agency, has stepped up its efforts in providing relief to the tsunami–affected people of southern India.

The development agency of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) has already released Rs. 1.8 crore to 22 partner organisations bringing relief to the tsunami victims. Besides, it has also released another Rs. 1 crore to its Regional Coordination Office in Chennai to procure relief materials for distribution. The local partners are actively involved in providing relief such as food, medical aid, temporary shelters and counselling to the trauma tics.

In Tamil Nadu, the worst affected with over 8000 dead, immediate assistance to the tune of Rs. 1.2 crore was provided to partners to carry out relief operations.

A further assistance for food supply is being provided to nearly 34,500 families in these affected areas.

The Executive Director and the Head of Emergency Department held an emergency meeting with the Directors of partner organisations and other organizations along with Catholic Relief Services. The partners are located in Chennai, Chengalpattu, Pondicherry, Thanjavur, Tuticorin, Kottar and Sivagangai.

Caritas India is also supporting temporary shelters for 5,000 families in Nagapattinam area and intends to extend the same to another 10,000 families in other areas.

In Andhra Pradesh, Caritas India has already released Rs. 35 lakhs to 6 partner organisations. A team of Caritas/Catholic Relief Services (CRS) visited all the areas for assessment and made concrete proposal for the immediate relief.

These programmes are jointly funded by Caritas India and CRS and will be monitored jointly.

The Prime Minister, during his recent visit to the Tsunami affected areas, visited one of the programmes of Eluru Social Service Society and appreciated the work carried out by it. The relief work is being carried out in Vijayawada, Eluru, Guntur, Nellore, Srikakulam and Vishakapattnam.

In Kerala, 9 districts were found affected. Caritas India has provided immediate assistance to 8 partner organisations in Trivandrum, Verapoly, Quilon, Alleppey, Cochin, Ernakulam and Kottappuram and has released a sum of Rs.19 lakhs for relief work in Kerala. The Caritas Regional Office in Cochin is providing all necessary assistance for the co–ordination of relief operations

In Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the main focus is on the unattended villages. An initial assistance of Rs. 10 lakhs has been provided. The Caritas India staff members and the partners are in touch with the Government and giving the necessary coordination for the relief operations. Plans are being made in coordination with the Government for rehabilitation.

The Catholic agencies and organisations are in close collaboration with the likeminded organizations to mitigate the sufferings of the affected people.

A draft note on the joint response to the Tsunami Emergency in India has already been formulated and CBCI is trying to mobilize resources. The response is quite positive.

The important need of the hour is a united and coordinated approach of all the organizations in order to provide quick relief and reach the most vulnerable communities.